Government-funded Hours

Navigating childcare costs can feel overwhelming, but Government Funding is designed to make high-quality early education more affordable for families. At Cherubs Nurseries, we’re committed to helping you understand the options available and making the process as simple as possible. Depending on your child’s age and your family’s circumstances, you may be entitled to funded childcare hours that can reduce your fees. These schemes are created to support children’s development, give parents greater flexibility and ensure every child has access to an enriching start in life.

We’re here to guide you through each step, from eligibility to accessing your funded hours, so you can make the most of the support available.

Government funding for children 9 months+, two-year-olds and three and four-year-old children can be used at Cherubs Nurseries. Your child is entitled to the funding for the term after they turn 9 months, 2 years or 3 years (depending on the funding you are applying for). This must fall before the cut-off date in order to receive the funding the following term. These dates are:

• 31st August for the September – December Term (Autumn)
• 31st December for the January – April Term (Spring)
• 31st March for the May – August term (Summer)

In-line with Government guidelines, certain criteria may apply in order to receive this funding.

All children who are three and four are entitled to a total of 15 hours per week ‘stretched’ across the year. Some two-year-olds will also be entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week; however, an application with your Local Authority will need to be made to check eligibility. Find out more about 15 hours funding here.

For three and four-year-olds claiming 15 hours of free childcare, we claim this on your behalf. You will be required to complete a form with your child’s personal details, and we will need to see a copy of your child’s birth certificate. You will also be required to complete a parent declaration form as proof that your child is attending Cherubs Nurseries. For two-year-olds, we need authorisation from the Local Authority that you fulfil the criteria, along with your funding code.  You will be required to complete the parent declaration form too.

If you claim 15/30 hours of funded childcare, you must provide us with your eligibility code before claiming any childcare. You must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts. You must reconfirm your eligibility every three months – you can do this through your online account, which will keep your code valid. If you do not have a valid code and provide this to us, all childcare taken during the period will be charged at our normal rate.

Most fully funded sessions incur a small charge. These are payable to cover things like consumables, as well as hours not covered by funding within the session. This charge is still payable even if your child does not attend a session. Further information can be found in our Fee Policy, along with a full list of consumables.

The following two years olds may be eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare. Parents who are in receipt of one of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

Tax credit and have an annual income of less than £16,190 (as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs) or if the 2-year-old:

• Has a statutory statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan. (Parents cannot self-refer for funding based on this criteria)
• Has left local authority care through a Special Guardianship Order, adoption or residence Order
• Is currently a Looked After Child, e.g. in foster care
• Is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance

Some parents may also be entitled to a total of 15/30 hours of funded childcare per week ‘stretched’ across the year. Your eligibility for this depends on if you are working, how much you earn, your child’s circumstances and your nationality. This is also only applicable to children aged 9 months+, 2 years 3 or 4. You can apply for 15/30 hours of funding here.