We know it can be confusing trying to work out what funding your child is entitled to, so we have put together this page to help.

Find out more about the governments Spring Budget 2023 here

What is '30 hour funded childcare?'

30 Hours weekly funded (also known as 'free') is available to families with children age 3 if both parents are working at least 16 hours per week, or one parent in a single parent household earning less than £100,000 a year.*

If you are eligible, it means your child can use their funding for 30 hours a week 38 weeks a year.

30 Hour childcare kicks in from the term after their 3rd birthday.  For example, if your child turns 3 in May, they will be entitled to their 30 hour funding from September.

School term times are January if you are getting parental leave, sick leave, adoption leave or annual leave, or if your partner has substantial caring responsibilities, or is disabled or incapacitated.

If you are in the 'start up period' to find out more about your regardless of you employment status having set up a new business, then you don't need to provide evidence that you meet the scheme's funding requirements until after 12 months.

You can receive your 30 hours funded childcare at the same time as you receive tax credit, universal credit, childcare vouchers or tax free childcare.

What is 15 hours childcare for 3-5 year olds?

All children over the age of 3 are entitled to 15 hours funded childcare regardless of your employment status.  This is also known as universal funding.  This means a child can attend nursery free of charge for 15 hours a week for 38 weeks a year. 

If both parents are working at least 16 hours a week, or one parent in a single parent household and the income is below £100,000 per year then their child will also be entitled to the extended 30 hour funding.

What is 2 Year old Funding?

2 year funding is available for families in England, receiving some form of Government support once your little one turns 2.  You can contact Little Acorns Nursery to find out more about your eligibility.  Eligible 2 year olds will be entitled to 15 hours free childcare a week and will then progress onto 3 year funding once their child turns 3.

How does funding work at Little Acorns Nursery?

If your application is successful, you will receive a code that you give to Little Acorns Nursery, along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth.  We will then be able to set up your funded childcare hours for you.

Useful Links

To apply for your 30 hours funding code, visit Child Care Choices website

To find out if you will be better off with the 30 hours funding sceme, visit gov.uk's childcare calculator https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

Once signed up to the account make sure you bookmark the page and make sure you confirm your details every 3 months. https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-childcare-account 

All holiday bookings receive a 20% discount on the fees below.