A Simple Guide To 7 Early Years Funding For Parents Tips

by Kids Inc Nurseries | 2 October 2025 | Blog

A Simple Guide To Early Years Funding For Parents — A Simple Guide To 7 Early Years Funding For Parents Tips | Kids Inc Nurseries

A Simple Guide to Choosing childcare is one of the most helpful ways to dictate important decisions families make. When it comes to wanting the very best care and education for your child, affordability is always a key consideration. To help with the cost, the government provides funding for early years education and childcare. This support is there to make nursery more accessible to all families and to ensure children have the best possible start in life.

We know that the rules and entitlements around funding can sometimes feel complicated, with terms like “universal” or “extended” funding not always easy to understand. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide guide – to help you know what your child is entitled to, how it works at Kids Inc Nurseries, and what steps you need to take to secure your funding.

A Simple Guide On What Is Early Years Funding?

Early Years Funding is financial support from the government that helps reduce the cost of childcare for families with children aged from 9 months until they start school. It allows more children to access high-quality nursery education while also giving parents the flexibility to work, study, or train.

The aim of the scheme is twofold:

For children – to give them the very best early experiences that prepare them for school and beyond.
For families – to reduce financial pressure and make it easier for parents to balance work and family life.

A Simple Guide To What Funding Is Available?

For Children Aged 9 Months – 2 Years

Some families may be entitled to free childcare hours if both parents are working. In most cases, this is available as long as neither parent earns more than £100,000 per year. You can quickly check your eligibility on the Government’s Childcare Choices website.

For example, you may qualify if:

Both parents are working at least 16 hours per week, and
Each parent earns under £100,000 per year.

This support is especially helpful for parents returning to work after maternity or paternity leave, or those balancing work with young children at home.

For 3 And 4 Year Olds

All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to universal funding: 15 hours of free childcare per week, during term time. This is available to every child, regardless of family income or circumstances.

In addition, many families can also access extended funding: up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week (term time only), depending on parental work status and household income.

At Kids Inc Nurseries, we offer something called a “stretched offer.” Instead of funding being limited to term time only, we spread (“stretch”) the hours across the whole year. This means your child receives slightly fewer hours each week, but the funding is available for more weeks – helping to cover holiday periods and giving you greater consistency.

A Simple Guide On How Does It Work At Our Nursery?

We provide funded places for all eligible children. You can use your funded hours during our standard nursery sessions. If you need more childcare than the funded hours cover, you are welcome to purchase additional hours at our normal nursery rates.

We know that affordability and flexibility are key for parents. That’s why we aim to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. Our team will help you make the most of your funded hours and explain any extra costs – such as meals, trips, or special activities – clearly upfront, so there are no surprises.

A Simple Guide On How To Apply

Applying is straightforward. Parents apply online through the Government’s Childcare Choices website. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a code. You simply give this code to us, and we will do the rest.

It’s important to apply in plenty of time before your child becomes eligible, as deadlines can affect when funding starts. If you’re unsure, our team can guide you through the process step by step.

A Simple Guide On Things To Keep In Mind

Re-confirmation: If you receive the 30 hours of funding, you’ll need to re-confirm your eligibility every 3 months. This is done quickly and easily online.
What’s covered: Funding usually applies to the core cost of childcare only. Extras such as meals, trips, or additional sessions are not included.
Deadlines: Applying on time is essential. If an application is delayed, it may affect when your child’s funding begins.

A Simple Guide On How We’re Here To Help

We understand that navigating funding options can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time applying. Please don’t worry – our nursery team is here to make things easier. We can talk through your options, check your eligibility, and support you with your application.

Many parents tell us they feel reassured once they’ve spoken to us directly, as we explain clearly how the system works in practice. Our aim is always to give you peace of mind, knowing your child is getting the care they deserve while you feel confident about the financial side.

If you’d like to find out more or check your eligibility, come and speak to us in the nursery, call our team, or visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

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