Government Funding

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 First Place nurseries, 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 50 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)

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.

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

•  (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

Childcare funding FAQs

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.

Are funded hours only accessible term time for 38 weeks of the year?
No. First Place nurseries offer flexible options so you can use your hours evenly across 50 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 First Place nurseries do.

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.

Childcare Vouchers

We accept childcare vouchers from employers who offer this benefit to their eligible employees as an e-voucher. Vouchers are non-taxable and exempt from NI contributions for employees, whilst offering NI savings for employers. Both parents are eligible to claim if they are both in employment. If you are already signed up for the Childcare Vouchers scheme with your employer, then you can continue claiming them until your employer stops offering them. As from April 2018 no new entrants were able to join the Childcare Vouchers scheme. Childcare vouchers from employers are required to be set up to ensure we are in receipt of the funds on or before the first day of the month to which they relate.

Sibling Discounts

A 10% sibling discount will be given to the eldest child.

A 5% sibling discount will be given to the second child, if three attend.

Everyday Essentials

Our Everyday Essentials are to provide your child with:
• Catering - £8.10/Day
• Care Products Suncream, Wipes, Hand Sanitiser, Disposal of Nappies – £2.80/Day
• Enrichment Experiences - £4.10/Day
———————
Total - £15.00/Day

If you are unable or unwilling to fund your Everyday Essentials, please do make an appointment to discuss with the nursery manager. We are committed to working with you to find a suitable way forward. Fully funded sessions are available without any additional charges.

Providing food in a day nursery includes not just the meals themselves, but also the safe management of allergies, tailored menu planning to meet diverse dietary needs, adherence to nutritional standards, and rigorous food safety compliance — all of which require trained staff, regular audits, and additional resources. These essential measures ensure every child’s wellbeing. Includes Breakfast, hot Lunch & Tea with vegetarian and vegan options, snacks throughout the day.

We provide children with valuable opportunities to connect with the wider community through educational visits and trips, including multigenerational experiences, visits to the local library, high street, and other places of significance. To ensure the highest standards of safety and care during these outings, we are required to maintain additional staff-to-child ratios, which is why an extra contribution is requested. In addition to off-site experiences, we also welcome community members into the nursery to foster meaningful interactions and on-site learning opportunities.