Understanding childcare funding can be confusing, especially with recent government changes expanding support for families with young children.
The good news is that more parents than ever may now be eligible for funded childcare, helping to reduce costs while giving children access to high-quality early years education.
At Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, we regularly support parents looking for funded childcare in St Albans, London Colney, and across Hertfordshire, helping families understand what they’re entitled to and how to access high-quality early years education.
What Childcare Funding Options Are Available?
The Government offers several funded childcare schemes designed to support families with the cost of childcare.
Depending on your circumstances, your child may be eligible for:
- 15 hours of funded childcare
- 30 hours of funded childcare
- Universal funding for three and four-year-olds
- Additional support for eligible families receiving certain benefits
The funding available depends on your child’s age, your employment status and your household circumstances.
15 Hours Funded Childcare
Many families can access 15 hours of funded childcare each week.
All children aged three and four in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education from the term after their third birthday, regardless of household income or employment status.
Some younger children may also qualify for funded childcare if:
- They have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Parents receive qualifying benefits
- Household income meets specific eligibility criteria
This funding helps ensure children can benefit from early learning opportunities before starting school.
30 Hours Funded Childcare
From September 2025, eligible working parents may be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare each week. The expanded childcare scheme means many working families with children aged from nine months old may be able to access funded childcare.
You may qualify if:
- Both parents work and earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage
- Neither parent earns more than £100,000 per year
- One parent works while the other receives qualifying disability benefits
- One parent works while the other has significant caring responsibilities
- A parent is temporarily away from work due to maternity, paternity, adoption leave or statutory sick pay
Eligibility is assessed by HMRC and must be reconfirmed every three months.
When Does Childcare Funding Start?
Funded childcare does not begin immediately after a child becomes eligible.
Funding starts from the beginning of the next funding term:
- September
- January
- April
For example, if your child reaches the qualifying age before 31 August, they may access funded childcare from September. Children who become eligible after that date will usually access funding from the following term.
Applying early helps ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
How to Apply for Childcare Funding
The application process is straightforward and can usually be completed online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Parents can use the Government’s childcare service to determine which funding options are available to them.
Step 2: Complete the Application
You will typically need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Personal details
- Income information
- Benefit information if applicable
If you live with a partner, their details will also be required.
Step 3: Receive Your Childcare Code
If approved, you will receive a funding code that must be provided to your chosen nursery.
Step 4: Confirm Your Child’s Place
Once your code has been verified, your funded sessions can be arranged.
Step 5: Reconfirm Every Three Months
Families receiving funded childcare must reconfirm their eligibility every three months to continue receiving support.
Term Time or Stretched Funding?
Many nurseries offer different ways to use funded childcare hours.
Some families prefer term-time funding, which provides the full funded entitlement during school terms, however this means if you need childcare in half terms, Christmas, Easter and summer holidays you’ll be paying in full for these 12 weeks.
Others choose stretched funding, where hours are spread across the entire year. This can provide more consistent childcare and help working parents manage childcare arrangements during school holidays.
At Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, we offer stretched funding as we are open all year round.
Why Funded Childcare Is More Than Saving Money
While reducing childcare costs is a major benefit, funded childcare also supports children’s development during some of the most important years of their lives.
Quality early years education can help children:
- Develop confidence and independence
- Improve communication and language skills
- Build friendships and social skills
- Prepare for school routines
- Learn through play and exploration
These experiences help lay strong foundations for future learning and development.
Choosing the Right Nursery in St Albans
When comparing childcare providers, it’s important to look beyond funding alone.
Consider factors such as:
- Quality of care
- Experienced nursery practitioners
- Learning opportunities
- Outdoor environments
- Parent communication
- School readiness programmes
At Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, children benefit from a unique nature-based nursery environment with outdoor learning, Forest School experiences, and our much-loved Mini Farmers programme — all within easy reach of St Albans, London Colney, and North London.
Need Help Understanding Your Childcare Funding Options?
Every family’s situation is different, and funding rules can sometimes feel overwhelming. Work out your fees by using our easy funding calculator, this an estimate and based on your child receiving government funding stretched over 52 weeks of the year.
Our experienced team is always happy to help parents understand their childcare funding options, check eligibility requirements and discuss the best childcare arrangements for their family. If you’re looking for a nursery in St Albans and would like advice on funded childcare, contact Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School today to learn more or arrange a visit.