Early Education Funding at Our Nursery

We are proud to offer government‑funded early education for eligible families. Our aim is to make childcare accessible, transparent, and easy to understand. Below you will find clear information about the funding options available, how they work, and what parents can expect when claiming funded hours with us.

What Funding We Offer

15 Hours Universal Funding (3–4 Year Olds)

All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to up to 15 hours per week of government‑funded early education, starting from the term after their third birthday.

30 Hours Extended Funding (3–4 Year Olds)

Some working families may be eligible for up to 30 hours per week. Eligibility is determined by HMRC, and parents must apply through Childcare Choices.

Funded Places for 2‑Year‑Olds (EL2)

Some 2‑year‑olds may qualify for funded childcare based on specific criteria such as income, benefits, or SEND needs.

Funding for Children Aged 9 Months+

Eligible working families may be able to claim funded hours for children aged 9 months and above. Eligibility is confirmed by HMRC.

Additional Support Funding

• Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

• Disability Access Fund (DAF)

These support children who may benefit from additional resources.

When Funding Starts

Funding begins from the term after your child’s birthday:

• 1 January – 31 March → Summer term

• 1 April – 31 August → Autumn term

• 1 September – 31 December → Spring term

How We Offer Funded Hours

We provide funded hours free at the point of use, in line with the Kent Provider Agreement. Parents can use funded hours within our session structure:

• 8.00am - 4.00pm

• Term time ONLY

• Max 8 funded hours per day

• Session times above

We also accept blended care, meaning families may split their funded hours between more than one provider.

What Is Free and What May Be Chargeable

Funded hours cover early education only. They do not include additional services. We are fully transparent about our charges:

Free:

• The funded early education hours your child is entitled to

• High‑quality teaching and learning

• Access to our indoor and outdoor environments

• Snacks 

Chargeable (Optional Extras):

• Meals

• Special activities, trips, or events

• Additional hours beyond your funded entitlement

We do not charge top‑up fees for funded hours.

A full breakdown of fees is available in our Fee Policy.

Parent Responsibilities

To claim funded hours, parents must:

• Provide a birth certificate or passport

• Complete a Parental Declaration Form each term

• Apply for and maintain their 30‑hour code (if applicable)

• Reconfirm their code every 3 months

• Inform us of any changes in circumstances

• Pay for any additional hours or optional extras (If a code becomes invalid, parents are responsible for fees until eligibility is restored)

• Provide wipes, nappies, creams.

• Provide packed lunch or pay for hot meal if the child is with us all day.

Our Responsibilities

As a registered early years provider, we:

• Deliver funded hours

• Follow the Kent Provider Agreement

• Keep accurate records and claim funding correctly

• Work in partnership with parents and other providers

• Support all children, including those with SEND

• Provide clear, honest information about fees and funding

How to Apply for Funding

For 30 Hours & 9‑Month Funding:

Apply through HMRC Childcare Choices. You will receive a validity code which must be given to us before the term starts.

For 2‑Year‑Old Funding (EL2):

Check eligibility through Kent County Council.

Useful Websites

• Childcare Choices (HMRC)

• Kent County Council Early Education Funding

• Home - KELSI

Funding FAQs

Can I split my funded hours between two settings? Yes, we accept blended care.

Do I have to pay anything? Funded hours are free. Optional extras and additional hours may be chargeable.

What happens if my code expires? You must reconfirm your code every 3 months. If it lapses, you may be charged until it is valid again.

What is DAF?

The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is extra government funding given to early years settings to help children with disabilities access high‑quality early education.

If your child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and is aged 3 or 4, your nursery can claim £800 per year to support their learning and inclusion.

This money is not taken from your child’s funded hours — it is an additional payment that helps us provide resources, equipment, or support that will benefit your child.

Parents do not receive the money directly; it is paid to the nursery.

What is Early Years Pupil Premium?

The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) is additional funding allocated to nurseries, designed to improve outcomes for eligible three- and four-year-olds. This funding is used to provide extra support for each qualifying child, acknowledging the individuality and unique needs of every child. At the beginning of the year, we thoroughly assess each child's baseline data to determine group or individual interventions that will facilitate their progress. If you receive any of the following benefits, your child may be eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium funding:

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (if you are not also eligible for Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income not exceeding £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit

If any of the above applies to you, please check the EYPP box on the coloured funding form that you complete each term. Applications for EYPP are submitted at the start of each term, so if your circumstances change, please notify us promptly. We strongly encourage parents to apply for the pupil premium and will proactively reach out to those who may qualify to ensure their child benefits.

Securing a Nursery Place

Once a nursery place is offered, parents/carers must:

• Complete and sign a contract
• Be aware that there is a 14-day cancellation period. If your child is scheduled to start during this timeframe, you are still required to provide four weeks' notice and pay for the booked sessions.
• Provide four weeks’ written notice to terminate their contract.
• Clear all outstanding fees before departure.

The nursery operates for 38 weeks each year, during term time only, and closure days include bank holidays. Charges apply even on these closure days.

Late or Outstanding Payments

• Fees must be paid in advance for the month in which invoices are issued on the 1st, with a 30-day payment period.
• Late payments will incur:
  • A fixed £25 fine, plus 5% of the outstanding balance each day until full payment is received. After eight weeks of non-payment, the account will be referred to our debt collection agency Judge’s Demand and will jeopardise your child's place.

Late Collection

Late collection of children will result in fees of £2 per minute after five minutes. If this becomes a regular occurrence, the grace period will be forfeited.

Care Package

If your child arrives without essential items such as nappies, wipes, or cream, a flat fee of £3.00 may be charged to cover these costs.

Non-Attendance, Holidays & Sickness

• Fees remain payable during:
  • Child sickness
  • Family holidays
  • Bank holidays and other closures

No refunds or discounts will be offered for non-attendance.

Terms and conditions are provided alongside the contract, while policies are updated annually. You can find them on the Family app or request a copy from the office.