Funding Explained at Nursery Days

At Nursery Days, we know parents want clarity when it comes to childcare funding — and we’re here to make it simple.

From April 2025, all 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. At our all-year-round nursery, we “stretch” this to 11.18 hours weekly across the year, so you can rely on consistent childcare every week, not just during term time.

Working parents of children aged 9 months to 5 years can access 30 hours, stretched to 22.36 hours per week.

👉 Important to know: stretching doesn’t mean you get less. It simply spreads the funding evenly across the year, giving you stability and peace of mind. We’re open every week except Christmas week, so your family always has the support it needs.

Who qualifies for 30 hours?

Parents must work 16 hours or more per week, and it applies to:

• 👶 All children aged 9 months

• 👧 All 2-year-olds

• 🧒 All children aged 3 to 5 years

📅 Don’t Miss the Deadlines

To secure your 30-hour code, apply by:

• 31 December 2025 – for funding from January 2026 (Spring term)

• 31 March 2026 – for funding from April 2026 (Summer term)

• 31 August 2026 – for funding from September 2026 (Autumn term)

💡 Our recommended dates (to avoid delays):

• 15 December 2025 – Spring term

• 15 March 2026 – Summer term

• 15 August 2026 – Autumn term

👉 Check your eligibility and apply via the Best Start in Life website or GOV.UK.

🌟 Value-Added Experiences at Nursery Days

At Nursery Days, funded hours aren’t just about childcare — they’re about giving your child the richest possible start in life. Alongside our caring environment, we offer unique clubs and activities that make every day exciting:

• 🌳 Forest School in Our Orchard – daily outdoor learning that builds resilience and curiosity.

• 🍳 Cooking Club – children cook with produce they’ve grown themselves.

• 🏖️ Beach School – exploring marine life and the environment through play.

• 🐑 Farm School – hands-on experiences with animals and nature.

• 🪚 Carpentry Club – developing creativity, problem-solving, and independence.

• 🌱 Our Allotment – growing fruit and vegetables while learning about healthy eating.

• 🚌 Minibus Adventures – weekly trips to farms, trails, and community spaces.

💬 Why Parents Say Funding Goes Further Here

Parents tell us they feel their funded hours stretch further at Nursery Days. That’s because every session is enriched with opportunities that spark creativity, build confidence, and nurture a love of learning.

We also know starting nursery is a big step. That’s why we offer free settling-in sessions, so your child can meet their key person and feel comfortable before their funded hours begin. This gentle introduction helps both children and parents feel secure from day one.

💷 Tax-Free Childcare Explained

Alongside funded hours, many families also benefit from Tax-Free Childcare. This government scheme helps working parents save up to 20% on childcare costs.

• For every £8 you pay into your online childcare account, the government adds £2.

• That’s up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 if your child has a disability).

• You can use this account to pay nursery fees, and it works alongside your funded hours.

Many Nursery Days families find that combining Funded Early Entitlements with Tax-Free Childcare makes nursery far more affordable — while still giving their child access to the very best experiences.

✨ Conclusion: Why Choose Nursery Days?

Choosing where to use your funded hours is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. At Nursery Days, those hours don’t just cover childcare — they open the door to forest adventures, cooking, carpentry, gardening, and community trips that shape confident, curious learners.

With consistent year-round care, free settling-in sessions, and the option to combine funding with Tax-Free Childcare, we make sure your family gets the very best value.

💛 When you spend your funded hours with us, you’re not just securing childcare — you’re investing in your child’s future.