Childcare funding

Universal funded childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds

All families in England can access 15 hours of funded childcare a week during term time from the term after their child turns 3.

At participating GrandirUK nurseries, these hours can be stretched across more weeks of the year, giving families up to 11 funded hours a week across 51 weeks.

Who is eligible?
All families with a child aged 3 or 4.

When can my child start?
Funding begins from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday. The relevant term start dates are:

• 1 January
• 1 April
• 1 September

How do I access the funding?
Contact our Parent Engagement team with proof of your child’s age and they can guide you through the next steps.

Funded childcare for eligible working families

Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week during term time, or stretched to 22 hours a week for 51 weeks, for children from 9 months old until they start school.

Who is eligible?
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, including your employment status and income. Check the current government eligibility criteria to find out what support may be available to your family.

How do I apply?
Applications are made through the government childcare service. If you are eligible, you will receive a childcare code to share with your nursery.

Additional support for eligible families

 

Some 2-year-olds can access 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after their 2nd birthday. This is separate from the working-family entitlement and is available to children and families who meet certain eligibility criteria.

 

Eligibility can include families receiving particular forms of government support, as well as some children with additional needs or who have been in local authority care.

Who is eligible?
Eligibility depends on your family’s individual circumstances. Your local authority can help you check whether your child qualifies.

How do I apply?
Check with your local authority. If your child is eligible, you will receive confirmation that you can provide to your chosen childcare provider.

Government support towards your childcare costs

 

Tax-Free Childcare can help eligible families with the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it up by £2, up to the applicable annual limit.

Who is eligible?
Eligibility depends on factors including your employment, income and your child’s age. Check the current government guidance to find out whether Tax-Free Childcare is available to your family.

How does it work?

If you are eligible, you can:

• Set up a Tax-Free Childcare account through the government childcare service

• Pay money into your account towards your childcare fees

• Receive a government top-up

• Pay your childcare provider through your account

 

Tax-Free Childcare cannot be used alongside some other forms of government support, so it is important to check which option is right for your circumstances.