Earlybirds Pre-School

Funding

30 Hours Funded Childcare (From September 2025)

From September 2025, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years can apply for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

This scheme is designed to support full-time working families. To qualify, both parents (or a single parent) must work at least 16 hours per week. As the funding is income-based, parents need to apply directly and provide their personal details.

Once approved, you’ll need to reconfirm your details every 3 months to keep your place. HMRC will email you when it’s time to do this.

Parents can also choose the Stretched Offer, which spreads the hours across the whole year—this works out at around 22 hours per week instead of 30, but covers 52 weeks.

You can find more information at https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/approved-childcare

 

Universal 15 Hours Funded Childcare (3 & 4 Year Olds)

From the term after your child turns 3, they are entitled to 570 funded hours per year.

• This is usually taken as 15 hours per week for 38 weeks (school term-time).

• Alternatively, with the Stretched Offer, hours can be spread across the whole year—approximately 11 hours per week.

This funding is automatic—you don’t need to apply. However, please select “Stretched Offer” on our registration forms if you would like this option.

 

 

15 Hours Funded Childcare for Disadvantaged 2 Year Olds

From the term after your child’s 2nd birthday, they may be entitled to 15 funded hours per week if you live in England and meet certain eligibility criteria.

Your child may qualify if:

• They are looked after by the local council

• They have an SEN statement or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan

• They receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• They have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order, or adoption order

 

When you can start claiming

The date you can start claiming depends on your child’s birthday.