Funded Places

If you live and work in England you may be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare support from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they start school. 

You can usually get funded childcare for working parents if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

  • In work or starting a new job

  • On sick leave or annual leave

  • On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave

  • In work or starting a new job

  • On sick leave or annual leave

  • On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave

If you are not eligible for the working parent offer you will still receive the 15 hour entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds from the term after your child turns 3 until they start school, irrespective of your income level, benefit status, or family circumstances.

We are proud to offer government-funded childcare for eligible families, ensuring your child receives high-quality early education and care.

Funding for 2-Year-Olds

  • 15 hours/week for 38 weeks/year from the term after their 2nd birthday.

  • Available to families meeting specific benefit criteria.

Funding for 3 & 4-Year-Olds

(Nursery Education Funding)

  • 15 hours/week (570 hours/year) for all children from the term after their 3rd birthday.

  • 30 hours/week (1,140 hours/year) for working parents (both parents must be working or on qualifying leave).

Stretched Funding Option

  • Spread 15 or 30 hours over 52 weeks/year for a reduced number of hours per week.

What’s Covered

  • Covered: EYFS curriculum, qualified staff, planned learning, and a safe environment.

  • Not Covered: Meals, consumables (wipes, creams), enrichment activities, and extra hours.

  • Optional: Provide your own meals, wipes, etc., to avoid additional costs.

Additional Hours

  • Additional hours outside of the funded entitlement are charged at standard nursery rates.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

We hope that this PDF will help guide you through this decision and give you a clear understanding of the government-funded childcare options available to your family and how JC Little Explorers supports these schemes.

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