Help With Costs

Help With Nursery Costs

Parents at our nursery have access to various government-supported schemes to help with childcare costs, including Tax-Free Childcare and funded nursery places. Tax-Free Childcare is a scheme where the government contributes £2 for every £8 a parent pays into a special childcare account, up to £2,000 per year per child (£4,000 for disabled children). This is available for working parents with children under 12 (or 17 if the child has a disability) who meet income criteria, including earning at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours a week and earning less than £100,000 annually. The funds can be used for Ofsted-registered providers, such as our nursery.

In addition, parents of 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time, providing 570 hours annually. This universal benefit is available to all families regardless of income.

Working parents may also qualify for 30 hours of free childcare weekly (1,140 hours annually) if they meet eligibility requirements, such as working at least 16 hours per week and earning less than £100,000 annually. For younger children, some families with children from 9 months to 2-year-olds can access 15 hours of free childcare, based on income and benefits eligibility, including those on Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

For families receiving Universal Credit, up to 85% of childcare costs can be reclaimed, with monthly limits of £646 for one child or £1,108 for two or more children. This support can significantly reduce the financial burden of childcare for low-income households.

To access these schemes, parents can apply through the Childcare Choices website or contact their local council for guidance on funded places. Our nursery team is also happy to provide advice and support to help parents navigate the application process and make the most of these entitlements. These initiatives are designed to make high-quality childcare accessible, ensuring every child can benefit from early education while parents manage their work and family commitments effectively.