The initiative offers up to 15 hours of funded childcare each week, spanning across 38 weeks of the year.rnrnTo qualify:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eEach parent must earn a minimum equivalent to 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEarnings will be under £100,000 adjusted net income/year.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e
Unlocking Childcare Funding for Your 2-Year-Old
Starting April 2024, the government has opened the door for working families to apply for childcare funding tailored for 2-year-olds. Designed to support early development and ease the financial burden on families, this new scheme aims to provide valuable opportunities for children to learn, play, and grow in a nurturing environment.
u003ch3u003e15 Hours Childcare Fundingu003c/h3u003ernFor Working Families
Stretched Funding Hours
Understanding the balancing act between work and family, we offer the option to ‘stretch’ your funded hours over up to 51 weeks instead of the standard 38 weeks. This means using fewer hours per week but over a longer period. Take a look at the examples below.
u003ch3u003e15 Hours of StretchedrnChildcare Fundingu003c/h3u003e
Traditionally allocated over the 38 weeks of term time, you have the option to extend this schedule to cover up to a 51-week period. By doing so, the weekly hours adjust to approximately 11 hours.
This flexible approach ensures that your child enjoys a consistent routine while you benefit from a childcare schedule that aligns with your family’s unique lifestyle and commitments.
Additional Fees
While government funding significantly offsets childcare costs, there may be additional fees for essential extras, such as all meals, nappies, wipes, suncream, trips and extra curriculum. We’re committed to transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs at your nursery visit.
Small People Benefits
At Small People, we go beyond just providing childcare; we ensure you’re connected to your child’s developmental journey every step of the way. Here’s a unique advantage our families enjoy:
Comprehensive Development Tracking
With our dedicated online app, you have the power to stay updated on your child’s progress throughout the day. Whether you’re curious about their meal times, sleep patterns, or the various activities they’re engaged in, all this information is at your fingertips. Accessible whenever you need, our app ensures you’re always in the loop, fostering a deeper connection between you, your child, and our nursery.
Applying for Childcare Funding
Find out more: Childcare Choices
For working families: Apply for 15 hours childcare funding
Childcare Funding FAQ
When can I apply for childcare funding for my 2 year old?
You can apply from when your child is 1 year and 36 weeks for 15 hours free childcare. u003ca href=u0022https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-workingu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eFind out moreu003c/au003e
Can I apply for funding if I’m not working?
Funding is only applicable for working parents.
Can self-employed individuals be eligible for funded childcare?
Yes, self-employed parents are eligible for funded childcare, provided they meet the minimum income requirements through their self-employment.
What if I work multiple jobs?
If you have more than one job, combine your earnings from all employment to see if you meet the eligibility criteria, specifically the minimum of 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage and a maximum annual income of £100,000.
How do I prove my income if it’s irregular?
For irregular income, use the average of your expected earnings over the current tax year to determine eligibility.
Is a National Insurance Number required for eligibility?
Yes, having a National Insurance Number is a prerequisite for applying for funded childcare.
How does the ‘stretching’ of funded hours work?
The ‘stretching’ option allows you to spread your funded hours over more weeks by using fewer hours each week, providing increased flexibility to match your family’s schedule.
How often do I need to reconfirm my details?
u003cdivu003ernu003cdivu003eYou need to reconfirm your eligibility details on your gov.uk account every three months to continue receiving funding.u003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e
How many funded hours per day can I use at Small People
The daily use of funded hours at Small People depends on the nursery’s availability and opening hours. The funding is allocated on a pro-rata basis across the year, rather than by specific days.
Can I roll over unused hours to the next term if I’m on holiday?
Unfortunately, hours are allocated on a pro-rata basis throughout the year, maintaining a consistent weekly routine regardless of holidays or sickness.
What should I do if I need extra hours on an ad hoc basis?
Please discuss your needs with the nursery manager as soon as possible. They will do their best to accommodate additional bookings, which will incur a non-funded charge.
Why do fees vary between Family First nurseries?
Fees vary due to differing operational costs across geographical locations, impacting the charges between our various nurseries.