Childcare
funding
Childcare funding made simple
We’ve brought everything you need together in one place to help make planning easier for your family.
From funded hours to eligibility rules, our clear guide explains all three main programmes in simple terms.
Packed with practical tips and useful links, it takes the stress out of understanding childcare funding.
Download your full guide today.
15 Hours funded childcare
Universal entitlement for 3 & 4-year-olds
All families in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time once their child turns three. At Grandir UK, we understand that many families need year-round support, so our nurseries offer a stretched version, providing you with up to 11 hours a week across 51 weeks of the year.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Who’s eligible? All families with a child aged 3-4 years old
When it starts: The term after your child’s 3rd birthday, starting on:
- 1st January (spring term)
- 1st September (autumn term)
- 1st April (summer term)
How to apply: Simply contact our Parent Engagement team with proof of your child’s age and they’ll handle the rest.
Parent testimonial:
“We were surprised by how quick and smooth it was to get started! The Parent Engagement team made everything so simple.” – Jade, Parent, Dicky Birds
30 Hours for working families
Up to 30 hours for working families – now from 9 months old
As of September 2025, eligible working families can now claim up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged nine months to four years. This expanded support helps families return to work sooner if needed, manage costs more easily and gives their child a beneficial early start.
Who’s eligible? You may be eligible for funded childcare if:
- You’re a working parent earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week
- Your adjusted net income is less than £100,000 per year
- You’re employed, self-employed or currently on parental leave
- Your child is aged nine months or older
How to apply: Apply via HMRC using your Government Gateway account. You’ll receive a code to share with your nursery.
Parent testimonial:
“Having 30 hours from nine months gave us peace of mind. It made returning to work manageable and our son absolutely loves nursery.” – Samuel, Parent, Kiddi Caru
Apply for 30-hour funding now via GOV.UK (approximately 20 mins to apply)
Benefits support
Support for families receiving benefits (2-year-old funding)
Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 funded hours from the term after they turn two, if their family receives certain income-related benefits or if they have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Who’s eligible? You may qualify if you receive:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order
How to apply: Check with your local authority. You will receive written confirmation which can be shown to your chosen childcare provider.
Parent testimonial
“We didn’t expect to qualify, but Grandir UK helped us check. It’s made a real difference.” – Charlotte, Parent, Little Cubs
Claiming Tax-Free Childcare
The Tax-Free Childcare scheme consists of the government adding £2 for every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account – giving you up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 a year per child, if your child has a disability).
Who’s eligible?
- Working parents earning at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for an average of 16 hours per week, but no more than £100,000 a year
- Your child must be under 12 (or under 17 with a disability)
Setup guide:
- Set up an account via your Government Gateway (your National Insurance Number will be required)
- Pay your nursery directly through the account
- The government tops it up automatically
Not compatible with: Universal Credit, Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers
Parent testimonial
“It’s like getting a 20% discount on your nursery fees and it really adds up over the year.” – Jess, Parent, Kiddi Caru
Childcare funding FAQs
What families want to know
Can I use more than one government funded childcare scheme?
In many cases, yes, for example, you can combine 30 hours funding with Tax-Free Childcare. However, some schemes, like Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare, can’t be used together.
Can I stretch my funded hours over the year?
Yes. Grandir UK offers flexible options so you can use your hours evenly across 51 weeks.
What if I apply late?
If you miss a funding deadline, you’ll usually have to wait until the next term to start. We recommend applying early. Working parents will also need to reconfirm their eligibility via their childcare account every three months.
Do all nurseries accept childcare funding?
Not all nurseries accept funded early education but all Grandir UK nurseries do. Find your nearest funded place here.
Will I have to pay anything in addition to standard childcare costs?
Funded hours cover your core childcare, but additional charges which we call Everyday Essentials, will apply for meals, nappies or extended hours. Your local nursery can explain any extras.
15 Hours
15 Hours funded childcare
Universal entitlement for 3 & 4-year-olds
All families in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time once their child turns three. At Grandir UK, we understand that many families need year-round support, so our nurseries offer a stretched version, providing you with up to 11 hours a week across 51 weeks of the year.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Who’s eligible? All families with a child aged 3-4 years old
When it starts: The term after your child’s 3rd birthday, starting on:
- 1st January (spring term)
- 1st September (autumn term)
- 1st April (summer term)
How to apply: Simply contact our Parent Engagement team with proof of your child’s age and they’ll handle the rest.
Parent testimonial:
“We were surprised by how quick and smooth it was to get started! The Parent Engagement team made everything so simple.” – Jade, Parent, Dicky Birds
30 Hours
30 Hours for working families
Up to 30 hours for working families – now from nine months old
As of September 2025, eligible working families can now claim up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged nine months to four years. This expanded support helps families return to work sooner if needed, manage costs more easily and gives their child a beneficial early start.
Who’s eligible? You may be eligible for funded childcare if:
- You’re a working parent earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week
- Your adjusted net income is less than £100,000 per year
- You’re employed, self-employed or currently on parental leave
- Your child is aged nine months or older
How to apply: Apply via HMRC using your Government Gateway account. You’ll receive a code to share with your nursery.
Parent testimonial
“Having 30 hours from nine months gave us peace of mind. It made returning to work manageable and our son absolutely loves nursery.” – Samuel, Parent, Kiddi Caru
Apply for 30-hour funding now via GOV.UK (approximately 20 mins to apply)
Benefits support
Benefits support
Support for families receiving benefits (2-year-old funding)
Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 funded hours from the term after they turn two, if their family receives certain income-related benefits or if they have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Who’s eligible? – you may qualify if you receive:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order
How to apply: Check with your local authority. You will receive written confirmation which can be shown to your chosen childcare provider.
Parent testimonial
“We didn’t expect to qualify, but Grandir UK helped us check. It’s made a real difference.” – Charlotte, Parent, Little Cubs
Tax-Free Childcare
Claiming Tax-Free Childcare
The Tax-Free Childcare scheme consists of the government adding £2 for every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account – giving you up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 a year per child, if your child has a disability).
Who’s eligible?
- Working parents earning at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for an average of 16 hours per week, but no more than £100,000 a year
- Your child must be under 12 (or under 17 with a disability)
Setup guide:
- Set up an account via your Government Gateway (your National Insurance Number will be required)
- Pay your nursery directly through the account
- The government tops it up automatically
Not compatible with: Universal Credit, Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers
Parent testimonial
“It’s like getting a 20% discount on your nursery fees and it really adds up over the year.” – Jess, Parent, Kiddi Caru
Set up your Tax-Free Childcare account
FAQs
Childcare funding FAQs
What families want to know
Can I use more than one government funded childcare scheme?
In many cases, yes, for example, you can combine 30 hours funding with Tax-Free Childcare. However, some schemes, like Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare, can’t be used together.
Can I stretch my funded hours over the year?
Yes. Grandir UK offers flexible options so you can use your hours evenly across 51 weeks.
What if I apply late?
If you miss a funding deadline, you’ll usually have to wait until the next term to start. We recommend applying early. Working parents will also need to reconfirm their eligibility via their childcare account every 3 months.
Do all nurseries accept childcare funding?
Not all nurseries accept funded early education but all Grandir UK nurseries do. Find your nearest funded place here.
Will I have to pay anything in addition to standard childcare costs?
Funded hours cover your core childcare, but additional charges which we call Everyday Essentials, will apply for meals, nappies or extended hours. Your local nursery can explain any extras.
Your personalised fee calculator
Find out what your nursery fees could be, including any funding options available to you.
Get in touch
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or would like to clarify anything about our childcare funding.
Our friendly parent engagement team is here to help with any childcare funding questions.