Government Funding for 15 and 30 Hours

Childcare costs can be difficult to cover, especially in the current climate. However, the Government do offer funded support towards these costs which could significantly reduce the amount you are paying each month.

How does it work?

Every child who lives in England is entitled to Universal funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. This is commonly known as “15 hours” and nurseries are entitled to claim this funding for 38 weeks of the year (term times). This equates to 570 hours per year. No eligibility code is required, just proof of your child’s date of birth.

If you meet certain criteria, such as you are a family working over 16 hours per week, earning under £100,000 per annum and living in England, your child may also be entitled to Extended funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. This is often referred to as “30 hours” and over the 38 weeks of the year (term times) equates to 1140 hours.

How can I check if I’m eligible?

An eligibility code will be required for 30 hours funding. If you wish to apply for a code and to check your eligibility, you will need to set up a childcare account. Apply for free childcare if you’re working – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You will need your personal details (and your partner’s, if applicable), including your:

National Insurance number

Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you are self-employed.

It usually takes 20 minutes to apply. You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

You will then need to provide your Bluebells Nursery with your 11-digit eligibility code, NI number and child’s DOB in order for them to be able to claim the Extended funding for your child.

For more details on the Extended funding please visit Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare , Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Using 15 and 30 hours funding at Bluebells

There are rules around how 15-hours and 30-hours funding can be applied, so you can expect to pay for any additional hours that your child attends the nursery, as well as for meals, drinks, nappies, trips, and any other consumables.

important dates for 15 hours and 30 hours funding

From April 2024   Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a 2 year old.

From Sept 2024    Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months.

From Sept 2025    Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.

Details are still being finalised by the Government and local authorities. You can apply for your code at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare , Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK