Funded Childcare- England
Our Helpful Guide
Welcome to our quick guide to Funded Childcare in England. 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)
Funding at a Glance
Now
Up to 15 funded hours/week for working parents of children aged 9 months+.
All 3 & 4 Year Olds
15 universal hours/week – total 570 hours over 38 weeks. Working families may also be eligable for an additional 15 hours per week.(Extended Hours Entitlement)
From Sept 2025
Up to 30 funded hours/week for eligible working parents of children aged 9 months+.
Funding is term-time only (38 weeks), with additional hours billed separately.
Funded Childcare Eligibility
Funded childcare is awarded based on the child's age and date of birth as follows:
| Child’s Age | Date of Birth Range | Funding Starts |
|---|---|---|
| 9 months / 2 or 3 years old | 1 January – 31 March | Summer Term (April) |
| 9 months / 2 or 3 years old | 1 April – 31 August | Autumn Term (September) |
| 9 months / 2 or 3 years old | 1 September – 31 December | Spring Term (January) |
Nursery Session Times
We offer flexible sessions to meet family needs at Little Trees Hucclecote, Tewkesbury and Lansdown. We offer full days at Little Trees Christ Church, Inchbrook and Brownshill.
| 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 only the basic EYFS 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
Gloucestershire Funded Term Dates 2025/2026
| Term | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 2025 | 1 September – 24 October | 8 weeks |
| 3 November – 19 December | 7 weeks | |
| Spring Term 2026 | 5 January – 13 February | 6 weeks |
| 23 February – 27 March | 5 weeks | |
| Summer Term 2026 | 13 April – 22 May | 5 weeks & 4 days (excluding 4 May Bank Holiday) |
| 1 June – 13 July | 6 weeks & 1 day |
* Dates outside of those listed are charged at the standard session rate.
We understand that funded childcare can sometimes be confusing, so we’ve answered some of the most common questions from parents and carers. These FAQs will help explain your entitlements, our session structure, and how our Additional Services enhance your child’s experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is funded childcare, and is it really ‘free’?
Funded childcare is government support designed to give children access to early years education under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). While the government promotes these hours as “free childcare,” the funding provided only covers the core costs required to deliver a basic level of education and care. It does not fully cover the enriched learning environment, quality resources, and enhanced activities that we provide at Dean Close Little Trees.
To ensure your child benefits from an exceptional educational experience, we apply an Additional Services Fee for meals, trips, digital updates (Famly app), and extra resources. We are always transparent about these fees and communicate them clearly to families.
How many funded hours can my child receive?
All families in England are entitled to 15 funded hours per week for all 3- and 4-year-olds, starting the term after their third birthday. Working parents who meet the criteria may be eligible for an additional 15 hours, giving a total of 30 funded hours each week.
From September 2025, this will be expanded so that working parents of children aged 9 months and above can access up to 30 funded hours until the child starts school.
Who is eligible for the 30 funded hours?
To qualify for the extended 30-hour offer:
- Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) must be working.
- You must earn at least £167 per week (equivalent to 16 hours at minimum wage) and less than £100,000 per year.
- Parents need to apply via the government’s Childcare Choices portal for an eligibility code, which must be renewed every three months.
We are always happy to guide families through this process if you have questions about eligibility.
When does the funding start for my child?
Funding begins from 9 months, 2 years or the term after your child’s third birthday:
- 1 January – 31 March: Funding starts in April (Summer Term).
- 1 April – 31 August: Funding starts in September (Autumn Term).
- 1 September – 31 December: Funding starts in January (Spring Term).
What is included in the funded hours, and what isn’t?
The funding only covers the essential costs to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. It does not include meals, enrichment activities, or additional learning resources that create the exceptional standard of care and education we provide at Dean Close Little Trees.
Our Additional Services Fee contributes to meals, digital updates, specialist activities, and enhanced resources to ensure your child enjoys a rich and stimulating environment.
Can I split my child’s funded hours between two providers?
Yes, you can split your child’s funded hours between up to two registered childcare providers, such as a nursery and a childminder. The total cannot exceed 15 or 30 hours, depending on your entitlement.
How are funded hours scheduled at Dean Close Little Trees?
We offer funded hours within our structured session times:
- Morning: 8am – 1pm (5 hours).
- Afternoon: 1pm – 6pm (5 hours).
- Full Day: 8am – 6pm (10 hours).
Hours cannot be rolled over, and any sessions beyond the funded hours are charged at our standard rates.
Will I still receive an invoice if all my hours are funded?
Yes. We issue monthly invoices for clarity and record-keeping. These invoices will show the funded hours allocated and any charges for Additional Services or extra sessions you may have chosen.
How can I apply for funded hours?
To apply for the extended 30-hour entitlement, visit the Childcare Choices portal. Once you receive your eligibility code, share it with your Nursery Manager and complete the Funding Claim Form.
We recommend applying well in advance of the term start date to ensure your funding is in place on time.
