Funded Childcare - Wales
Our Helpful Guide
Welcome to our quick guide to Funded Childcare in Wales. We’ve condensed the key points of our policy so parents and carers can quickly understand their entitlements and options. This guide covers:
- Eligibility and criteria
- Session times and funding dates
- Additional Services and fees
- Financial support options
- Term dates and key reminders
- Answers to common questions (FAQ at the bottom)
Current Entitlements
- 3 & 4 Year Olds: Up to 30 hours per week (10 hours Educational funding + up to 20 hours Childcare Offer) for 48 weeks a year.
- 2 Year Olds: May be eligible for Flying Start funding – 12.5 hours per week during term time (39 weeks a year) - Little Trees St Arvans only. Little Trees Celtic Springs also offer flying start funding for up to 12.5 hours per week during term time (42 weeks a year)
Funding at a Glance
| Age Group | Entitlement | Weeks per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 3 & 4 Year Olds | Up to 30 hours per week (10 hrs Educational funding + up to 20 hrs Childcare Offer) | 48 weeks |
| 2 Year Olds | Flying Start – 12.5 hours per week (area-dependent) | 39 weeks |
| The Childcare Offer provides funding for 48 weeks of the year, while Education funding covers 39 weeks (term time). During half terms, the Childcare Offer makes up for the loss of Education hours, so childcare remains funded throughout these periods. | ||
Funding Start Dates by Birthday
| Birthday Falls Between | Funding Starts |
|---|---|
| 1 January – 31 March | Summer Term (April) |
| 1 April – 31 August | Autumn Term (September) |
| 1 September – 31 December | Spring Term (January) |
Nursery Session Times
We offer flexible sessions to meet family needs at Little Trees Celtic Springs and St Arvans
| Session | Times | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | 8am – 1pm | 5 hours |
| Afternoon Session | 1pm – 6pm | 5 hours |
| Full Day | 8am – 6pm | 10 hours |
Additional Services Fee
Government funding covers the basic educational curriculum provision. At Dean Close Little Trees, we are committed to going above and beyond the minimum. To deliver an experience that is engaging, enriching, and meets children’s individual needs, we charge for additional services such as:
- Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks
- Specialist activities and enrichment opportunities
- Consumables
- Trips, events, and themed days
- Resources to support a broad and balanced curriculum
- IT Package such as Famly
FAQs – Funded Childcare in Wales
No – the funded hours are provided by the Welsh Government. However, our Additional Services Fee applies to cover meals, trips, resources, IT systems, and enhanced provision beyond the basic entitlement.
Yes – you can split your hours between two CIW-registered providers (e.g. nursery + childminder). Please let us know before the start of each term.
Unused hours cannot be carried forward. They are only valid for the funded week in which they are allocated.
Funded sessions cannot be changed mid-term. You can request changes at the beginning of a new term (subject to availability and notice).
If your eligibility changes (e.g. job hours or income), you may lose your funded entitlement. Please notify your Local Authority immediately if circumstances change.
No – unused funded hours cannot be banked or rolled over to cover additional ad-hoc sessions. Funding is only applied to the contracted weekly sessions agreed at the start of the term. If you need extra hours outside of your funded allocation, these will be charged at the nursery’s standard session rates.
No – funding under the Childcare Offer and Educational funding cannot be backdated. Entitlement begins only from the date your application is approved by your Local Authority. However, Flying Start funding does allow for some backdating in certain cases. You will need to contact your local Flying Start team directly for advice:
- Newport Flying Start: flyingstart@newport.gov.uk
- Monmouthshire Flying Start: flyingstart@monmouthshire.gov.uk
They will guide you on whether you qualify for backdated hours and how to apply.
