childcare funding
15 hours free childcare & 30 hours childcare
The government and local authorities have introduced a number of different funding options and support for families with their childcare costs. It can sometimes lead to a little confusion about what your family may be entitled to but fear not! We have a number of documents below that will set out the different funding available and the eligibility criteria.
For more information go to https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Spaces are subject to availability.
15 hours childcare
9 month old babies & 2 year olds
Am I eligible?
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To be able to take up 15 hours of government funded early education for your 9 month old baby or a two-year-old, you must meet the eligibility criteria. From September 2025 the funding is extended to 30 hours per week (term time only) to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months. Please visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ for further information.
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Where can I use it?
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It's available at participating:
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full day care (e.g nurseries, such as ours)
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schools
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childminders
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sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
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At Sutherland Day Nursery we accept funding for babies from the age of 9 months and currently have some limited spaces available.
3 & 4 Year Olds
Am I eligible?
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15 hours of funded childcare is available to all qualifying families in England. As of September 2025, working parents of children from the age of 9 months will be eligible to 30 hour funding, subject to the government set criteria.
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Where can I use it?
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It's available at participating:
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full day care (e.g nurseries, such as ours)
-
schools
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childminders
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sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
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after school clubs
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From 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s 3rd birthday.
Please visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ for further information.
30 hours childcare
9 month old babies, 2 ,3 & 4 Year Olds
Am I eligible?
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Please check the latest government funding criteria on:
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
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If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible. We may have limited spaces available.​
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When can my child start?
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Your child can start in their childcare place the term after they turn 9 months old (as of September 2025) to be eligible to 30 hour funding, and once you have received a valid 30 hours code. Term start dates are 1st September, 1st January and 1st April.
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To keep your 30 hours free childcare place you need to check your details are up-to-date every 3 months.
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Where can I use it?
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It's available at participating:
-
full day care (e.g nurseries such as ours)
-
schools
-
childminders
-
sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
-
after school clubs
​
Please visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ for further information.
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Please view the step by step guide on how to use 30 hours free childcare
