Funding Guide
Your Complete Guide to Childcare Funding & Help with Costs
Childcare funding can feel very confusing — especially with different ages, rules and dates. This guide explains all funded childcare options, when funding starts, and how it works at Little Bookers Day Nursery.
Funded childcare by age:
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From 9 months old (working parents) - Eligible working parents may receive up to 30 funded hours per week from the term after their child turns 9 months.
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2-year-olds - Some children qualify for 15 funded hours if parents receive certain benefits or support.
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3 & 4-year-olds - All children receive 15 funded hours. Working parents may receive up to 30 hours.
Why doesn't funding start on birthdays?:
Government childcare funding is organised by school terms, not individual birth dates.
This helps councils and nurseries plan places and funding fairly across the year.
What this means for parents:
• Your child must reach the eligible age before a term cut-off date
• Funding always begins at the start of the following term
• Some children may have a short wait even though they have already reached the eligible age
This is very common and not something parents can change.
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When does funding start?
Funding always begins at the start of a term, not on your child’s birthday.​​
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Worked Examples
Example 1 – 9 month funding delay
Child born 23 April 2025
Turns 9 months on 23 January 2026
Misses the 31 December 2025 cut-off for Spring funding
âž¡ Funding starts Summer Term – 1 April 2026
Example 2 – Qualifies straight away
Child born 2 February 2025
Turns 9 months before 31 December 2025
âž¡ Funding starts Spring Term – 1 January 2026
Example 3 – 3 year old funding
Child turns 3 in May
âž¡ Funding starts September
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Stretched Funding at Little Bookers
Little Bookers Nursery is open 51 weeks a year.
Instead of using funded hours over 38 term-time weeks, families can stretch their entitlement across more weeks.
This means:
• Fewer funded hours per week
• More flexibility for working families
• Smoother, more predictable fees
Extra Help with Childcare Costs
Tax-Free Childcare
For every £8 you pay, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year).
This can be used alongside funded childcare.
Term Time Only Places
We understand that many families only require childcare during school term dates. For this reason, our nursery offers a limited number of term time only places.
These places are subject to availability and provide a flexible option for families who do not need year-round childcare. As spaces are limited, we encourage parents who are interested in a term time only place to contact the nursery directly.
Our team will be happy to discuss your individual requirements and provide personalised pricing based on your family’s needs.
Official GOV.UK Information
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Still unsure? This system has lots of rules and dates, so please speak to the Little Bookers team — we are always happy to help you understand your options.
