What does the Government funding cover?

Government funding provides 15 or 30 hours a week of high quality childcare at your chosen setting. The funding does not cover meals, consumables , external classes or any additional hours that your child attends nursery . Here at Tiddlywinks there is a charge for these additional services, sundries and activities.

Tiddlywinks nurseries accept tax-free childcare and offer government funding for all eligible children.

There is different support available for parents to help financially with their childcare costs this ensures that all children have access to quality provision ensuring the best possible start to their education.

Below is a brief guide to some of the funding available, as well as links to the relevant sites for more information.

Funding for 9 month olds and two-year-olds

Some ( depending on qualifying criteria) 9 month old and two-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of  childcare or nursery education for 38 weeks per year. This funding is available the term after your child turns 9 months or the term after they turn 2. This is only available to working families who meet the eligibility criteria set out by the government.   To check the eligibility criteria, please visit the UK government Childcare Choices website.

Funding for three and four-year-olds

All children qualify for universal funding to cover 15 hours of nursery education per week, for 38 weeks of the year. This universal funding begins the term after your child’s third birthday.

Some children are eligible for an additional 15 hours of funding, giving you a total of 30 hours funded childcare for 38 weeks a year. To be eligible for the extra 15 hours you must meet the funding criteria set out by the government. This criteria and eligibility can be checked by using the childcare choices website detailed below

For more details about the different funding options and eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Funding renewal

Once you receive your funding code ( for any age group) you must ensure that you renew your code every 3 months. This renewal confirms that you continue to be eligible to receive the funding each term. Failure to renew your code may mean that you need to reapply and you may not be eligible for the funded hours whilst you make this application.

Additional service charge

The funding provided by the government ONLY covers the care and education of your child only. It does not cover meals, materials, consumables and any external classes. Therefore a service charge is added for your funded hours to cover these costs.  Our fees are clearly detailed in the funding section of our terms and conditions. Please contact us for any further information and up to date costs.

How does the funding work in practical terms?

The funding provided by government is designed for settings that offer term-time provision only, covering 38 weeks per year. Because we are open all year round, we spread your funded hours over the 51 weeks we are open, so that you pay a reduced fixed amount each month.

Helpful websites to help you apply for your funding and find out further information

Tax free childcare:  https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Government Funding: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Universal Credits: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit