Tuition

Funding Options

There are several government-funded schemes available in England to help families manage the cost of childcare. These form part of the government’s Best Start for Life approach, supporting children’s early development and helping families access affordable childcare. The funding available to you will depend on your child’s age, your working status, and household circumstances. We encourage all families to explore the options below and apply directly through the government’s childcare support services.

Funded Early Education (15 & 30 Hours)

Eligible children can access funded early education from the term after they reach the qualifying age.

15 Hours Universal Entitlement

All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education per week, regardless of family income, immigration background or employment status. This begins from the term after your child’s third birthday.

30 Hours Extended Entitlement

Working families may be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years, subject to eligibility criteria.

To qualify, parents must:

  • Be living in England
  • Be working (or self-employed)
  • Each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum or Living Wage
  • Earn less than £100,000 per year per parent

Applications and eligibility checks are managed through the government’s childcare service, Childcare Choices, which forms part of the Best Start for Life programme.

Two-Year-Old Funding

Some children aged 2 years may be eligible for funded childcare if their family meets specific criteria, including receipt of certain benefits or circumstances.

Children may also qualify if they:

  • Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Are looked after by the local authority or have left care through adoption, special guardianship, or child arrangement orders

Eligibility is assessed by the local authority. Parents are responsible for applying and providing the required documentation.

When Funded Hours Start

Funded childcare begins from the start of the term following your child’s qualifying birthday:

  • 1 January – 31 March → Funding starts from the summer term (April)

  • 1 April – 31 August → Funding starts from the autumn term (September)

  • 1 September – 31 December → Funding starts from the spring term (January)

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare is available to eligible working families with children under 12 years (or under 17 years for children with disabilities).

Through an online childcare account:

  • For every £8 you pay, the government adds £2
  • You can receive up to £2,000 per child per year
  • For disabled children, this increases to £4,000 per year

Parents must apply through the government’s Childcare Choices service and cannot use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as childcare vouchers or other salary sacrifice schemes.

Important Information for Parents

  • * Funded places are limited and offered subject to availability, age group, and staffing ratios
  • * Parents are responsible for applying for funding and reconfirming eligibility when required
  • * Funding does not cover additional services, meals, or hours outside the funded entitlement unless stated

Apply for Funding

We encourage parents to check their eligibility for available schemes and financial support by visiting the following official resources:

If you have any further questions or need assistance at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact us.