funded childcare
How Does Funded Childcare Work at Little Hearts?
At Little Hearts, we know childcare costs can be challenging, so we encourage parents to take advantage of available funded hours. Eligibility for these hours varies based on your child’s age and family circumstances.
With funded childcare, your child can join us at Little Hearts and enjoy a wide range of activities that help them:
- Feel secure with daily routines and positive habits
- Build social skills for forming healthy relationships
- Learn to share, take turns, and communicate ideas
- Develop independence and confidence
- Prepare for future academic success and primary school
What Funded Childcare Am I Eligible For?
Working Families
If you or your partner earn at least £183 per week (16 hours at National Minimum or Living Wage), you may qualify for:
- Up to 15 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 3 years (starting September 2024).
- Up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 3 to 4 years.
You may still be eligible if you’re on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or unable to work due to disability or caring responsibilities. However, households where either partner earns £100,000 or more are not eligible. Funding begins at the start of the term following your application date.
Additional Government Support & Funded Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare
Funded Childcare
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Funding starts from the term after your child turns 9 months old.
Visit Childcare Choices for eligibility information.
You’ll need to provide details like your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number to HMRC, as well as information about your partner (if applicable). You’ll also need to confirm your expected income for the next three months and any benefits you receive.
You’ll need to provide details like your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number to HMRC, as well as information about your partner (if applicable). You’ll also need to confirm your expected income for the next three months and any benefits you receive.
Yes. Funded childcare is provided for 38 weeks, but many parents choose to spread it over the full year. This means around 11 hours per week for 15-hour funding or 22 hours per week for 30-hour funding, totaling 570 or 1140 hours per year.
Yes, parents of 2-year-olds who receive certain benefits or have children in care are eligible for funded hours. Local authorities usually notify eligible families directly and provide a reference code, if required.
You and any partner must each expect to earn at least £167 per week (16 hours at National Minimum Wage).
- September 2024: All working parents with children aged 9 months to 4 years can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
- September 2025: All working parents with children aged 9 months to 4 years can access 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
Tax-free childcare is a government scheme that helps eligible working parents with childcare costs. For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for children with disabilities). Funds can be used for nurseries, and breakfast or after-school clubs. Visit Childcare Choices for details.
Yes, you can use tax-free childcare alongside the 30-hour funded childcare.
Tax-free childcare is open to all working parents, including the self-employed. To qualify, you must earn at least the minimum wage but less than £100,000 annually.
Apply online through the Childcare Choices website. You’ll be able to add funds to your online account, and the government will top up each deposit to pay your childcare provider.