Following a recent childcare funding expansion, working parents of children aged 9 months - 4 years could now receive 30 hours of funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks of the year.
For 3 and 4 year olds, the scheme provides 15 hours of childcare in addition to the 15 hours universal scheme for all 3 and 4 year olds – making a total of 30.
You may also be eligible for the 2 year old funding scheme for families in receipt of additional support. In this instance, the 15 hours for families in receipt of additional support must be taken as a priority, with the additional 15 hours from the working parent funding used on top for a total of 30 hours.
How do I apply?
Check you meet the current eligibility criteria (external link) before applying.
Apply for a code
If you are eligible, you will need to apply for a code (external link). This usually takes around 20 minutes. You may find out you’re eligible straight away, but this can take up to 7 days.
If your application is approved, you'll get a code for funded childcare to give to your childcare provider. You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months. If you apply more than 3 months before the term starts, you’ll need to reconfirm your eligibility in your account to keep your code valid, even if your child has not yet started their place.
What if I'm registered for Tax-Free Childcare?
Parents must reconfirm that they are still eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) every 3 months. When eligible parents reconfirm, they will receive a code which will also enable them to access the funded hours offer.
Please note: You must have received your eligibility code and given this to your chosen childcare provider before the start of the term, even if your child doesn’t start until mid-term.
Can I get further help with my childcare costs?
Parents eligible for the working parents funding are also able to access Tax-Free Childcare through the same application system. You can also visit Childcare Choices (external link) to find out what other schemes may be available for you.
When can my child start?
If you’re eligible, you can start claiming funded childcare hours from the term following your child reaching the age of eligibility. For families receiving some additional forms of government support, the age of eligibility is 2. For the working parents offer, the age of eligibility is 9 months old.
Eligibility
| A child reaches the age of eligibility | Will become eligible for a funded place |
|---|
| 1st April - 31st August |
1st September (Autumn term) |
| 1st September - 31st December |
1st January (Spring term) |
| 1st January - 31st March |
1st April (Summer term) |
When can my child attend a childcare setting?
Childcare funding enables children to access 15 hours of childcare for 38 weeks of the year (term time only). Some childcare providers will allow the entitlement to be stretched across the year, meaning children attend less hours per week but can attend all year round. You will need to discuss these arrangements with your chosen childcare provider.
To give parents and carers choice and flexibility, providers should offer the entitlement within the following parameters:
- No session to be longer than ten hours
- No minimum session length
- No session before 6am or after 8pm
- A maximum of two childcare sites in a single day.
How do I find a place?
Our Town Directory has a list of all the childcare services in the Borough, with helpful information such as contact details, opening hours and fees.