Funding Options

    Helping Families Make Childcare More Affordable

    At Ilm Day Nursery, we understand that childcare is an important decision for every family. Alongside choosing the right nursery environment, many parents also want to understand what financial support may be available.

    There are several childcare funding options in England that may help reduce the cost of nursery care, depending on your child’s age, your working status, and your family circumstances. Eligible working parents in England may be able to access funded childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months old until they start school.

    Check Your Funding Options

    Funded Childcare for Working Parents

    Eligible working parents may be able to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, usually over 38 weeks of the year. This support is designed to help working families manage childcare costs while giving children access to early education and care.

    This may support families who are:

    • Returning to work
    • Working full-time or part-time
    • Looking for regular nursery sessions
    • Planning childcare before school age
    Speak to Our Team
    • 15 Hours Funded Childcare

    Some children may be eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare, depending on their age and family circumstances.

    This can include:

    • Universal 15 hours for all 3 and 4-year-olds
    • 15 hours for some 2-year-olds receiving additional support
    • Funded support for eligible families based on government criteria

    These hours are usually offered over 38 weeks of the year, although some nurseries may offer stretched funding across more weeks depending on availability and setting arrangements.

    • 30 Hours Funded Childcare

    Eligible working families may be able to claim up to 30 hours funded childcare for children from the term after they turn 9 months old until they start school.

    This can be helpful for parents who need more regular childcare during the week and want their child to benefit from a consistent early years routine.

    This can help with:
    • Reducing childcare costs
    • Supporting working parents
    • Helping children settle into regular nursery life
    • Building confidence, communication, and school readiness

    Tax-Free Childcare

    Tax-Free Childcare is another government support scheme that can help eligible families pay for approved childcare.

    Parents can use an online childcare account to pay their provider, and the government adds support based on what parents pay in. Families can use the official childcare calculator to check what support they may be eligible for.

    Use the Childcare Calculator

    When Does Funding Start?

    Childcare funding usually begins from the term after your child reaches the eligible age.

    The main funding terms are commonly:

    • January
    • April
    • September

    For example, if your child becomes eligible during one term, their funded place will usually begin from the next funding term.

    Ready to Explore Your Funding Options?

    We would be happy to help you understand childcare funding and how it may apply at your chosen Ilm Day Nursery setting.

    Phone

    01234 567 890

    Email

    info@(yourwebsite).co.uk

    Address

    Leeds, United Kingdom