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06 — Funding & Support

Childcare funding, made simple

We accept every UK government childcare funding scheme. Here is a clear breakdown of what you may be entitled to — so more of your week can go toward what matters.

Good to know

Schemes can be combined

Most families pair funded hours with Tax-Free Childcare. We'll help you work out the best mix for your circumstances — no jargon, no pressure.

Term dates

Starts the term after eligibility

Funded hours begin the term after your child reaches the qualifying age — terms start in January, April and September.

Funding Schemes We Accept

Every family's situation is different

Tap any scheme to see who qualifies and how it works. Combine them where eligible to lower your termly fees.

15 Funded Hours

Who qualifies

Working parents of children 9 months – 2 years, earning the equivalent of 16 hours/week at National Minimum Wage and under £100,000 per year.

From September 2025 all eligible working parents of children from 9 months can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week, 38 weeks a year.

15 Universal Hours

Who qualifies

All children aged 3 and 4, regardless of parental income — no eligibility check required.

Every 3 and 4 year old in England is entitled to 15 hours of funded early education per week, 38 weeks a year.

30 Funded Hours

Who qualifies

Working parents of children 9 months – 4 years earning between £9,518 and £100,000 per year each.

Eligible working families access an additional 15 hours on top of the universal entitlement — 30 hours per week, 38 weeks a year.

Tax-Free Childcare

Who qualifies

Working parents earning under £100,000 per year, with children under 12.

The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in — up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for disabled children). Use alongside funded hours.

Universal Credit Childcare

Who qualifies

Parents in work, receiving Universal Credit.

Up to 85% of childcare costs reimbursed — currently up to £1,031.88 a month for one child, or £1,768.94 for two or more.

2-Year-Old Funded Childcare

Who qualifies

Families receiving qualifying benefits, or children with additional needs.

15 hours per week of funded early education for 2-year-olds in families meeting income or benefit criteria.

How To Claim

Three steps, and we do the rest

01

Check eligibility

Use the official Childcare Choices calculator at gov.uk to confirm your entitlement.

02

Apply online

Sign in to your Childcare Account to receive an 11-digit eligibility code.

03

Share it with us

Send us your code and we'll register your funded hours and confirm your start date.

Common Questions

The most asked questions by parents

Are the funded hours really free?+

The government covers the early-education element. We may charge for meals, consumables and additional hours outside the funded entitlement — all clearly itemised.

Can I combine schemes?+

Yes. Most families combine funded hours with Tax-Free Childcare. Universal Credit Childcare cannot be combined with Tax-Free Childcare.

What if my circumstances change?+

You must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months in your Childcare Account. We'll support you with reminders and paperwork.

When can my child start funded hours?+

From the term after they turn the qualifying age — terms begin in January, April and September.

Not sure where to start?

We'll walk you through your options and handle the paperwork so you can focus on your family.

  • 07474 927 808 · 07500 686 284
  • info@bubarmontessoristanmore.com
  • St Anselm's Church, Stanmore, NW London
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