All children are entitled to 15 hours of government funded nursery care from the term after their third birthday. This may be taken in a school nursery or a private nursery such as Little Learners. Certain children may also qualify for funded care from the age of two, depending on their personal circumstances. Please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to explain the arrangements and assist with registration.

The government has doubled the universal entitlement of 15 hours’ free childcare, which is available for all three and four year olds. It is funded during term time only – so 38 weeks of the year – but parents can chose whether to use it as 30 hours per week during term time or 22.8 hours per week across 50 weeks of the year.

Both parents must be working or the sole parent must be working in a lone-parent family. They must earn a minimum of the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the national living or minimum wage and less than £100,000 a year. If you are self-employed or on a zero hours-contract you are still eligible as long as you meet the earnings threshold.

How to apply –

 Through the government’s online childcare service. You can also apply by ringing the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097.