Childcare costs can be difficult to cover, especially in the current climate. However, the Government does offer funded support towards these costs, which could significantly reduce the amount you are paying each month.
What changes will be made to childcare funding in 2024?
As of April 1st 2024, working parents of 2-year-olds may now be entitled to 15 hours a week of funding, starting from the term after the child’s 2nd birthday.
In addition, from September 2024, eligible families of children aged between nine months and two years may also be entitled to 15 hours a week. A year later, in September 2025, all working parents of children aged nine months up to reception age will have access to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
The government has used a staggered approach to roll out these changes, allowing childcare providers the time to prepare.
How much funding is my child currently entitled to?
9 Month Olds
From September 2024, working parents with children aged nine months to 23 months will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare from Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, averaged across 38 weeks. Find out more about eligibility criteria from the Childcare Choices website.
2 Year Olds
Funding covers 38 weeks of the year, aligned with local authority school terms which start in the autumn term. The remaining 13 weeks of the year (school holidays) are not covered by funding.
Government funding is allocated as follows:
- 15 hours funding — this is stretched over the full year that we are open, equating to 11 hours per week. It’s available for children whose parents are both working at least 16 hours per week and earning up to £100k per annum. Eligibility may extend to situations where one parent works, and the other receives specific benefits, or is on parental leave.
3 Year Olds
Funding for 3-year-olds also covers 38 weeks of the year, aligned with local authority school terms starting in the autumn. This equates to a maximum of 570 hours for universal 15 hours funding or 1140 hours with extended 30 hours funding within a full academic year. The remaining 13 weeks of the year (school holidays) are not covered by funding.
Government funding is allocated as follows:
- Universal 15 hours funding — this is stretched over the full year that we are open, equating to 11 hours per week. It’s available for all 3 and 4-year-olds, offering 15 hours per week for 38 weeks annually, regardless of parental income or employment status.
- Extended 30 hours funding — this option provides an additional 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year. Stretching over the full year that we are open, this equates to 22 hours per week. Both parents should work at least 16 hours per week, earning up to £100k per annum. Eligibility may extend to situations where one parent works, and the other receives specific benefits or is on parental leave.
How do I apply for my child’s funding?
If your child will be at least 9 months old by 31st August 2024, and you expect to qualify for Working Family Funding for the first time starting in September 2024, you must apply for an Eligibility Code no later than August 31, 2024.
To get your Eligibility Code, or to renew your existing code if you already receive funding, you can either:
- Await your Eligibility Code to be sent to you automatically by post
- Visit the government website
- Call HMRC on 0300 123 4097
To apply for free childcare, you’ll need to visit the government’s application page. It only takes around 20 minutes to apply.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:
- Your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
- The date you started or are due to start work
- Details of any government support or benefits you receive
- The UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child
Once you’ve completed the application process, you may find out if you’re eligible straight away, or it can take up to 7 days.
If your application is approved, you’ll get a code for free childcare to give to your nursery. Parents will be asked to reconfirm that they are still eligible for the support every three months and will be reissued their code.
Universal funding for 2 and 3-year-olds
Every child who lives in England is entitled to universal funding from the term after their 2nd birthday, commonly known as “15 hours”. If your child is 3-years-old and you meet certain criteria your child might be eligible for extended funding. To apply for the extended 30 hours of funding, you’ll need to apply online to obtain a “30-hour code” once your child is two years and 36 weeks old.
Once approved, you’ll receive your 11-digit eligibility code which you will need to provide to the nursery, along with your national insurance number and proof of your child’s date of birth.
How do we help with funding and fees here at Monkey Puzzle?
At Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, we understand that term time only hours don’t meet the working needs of all parents. For this reason, we stretch the funding over the 51 weeks of the year that we ‘re open, meaning you’ll be paying the same amount each month for nursery fees.
If you have any further questions about the funding options available to you, please contact your local nursery directly. We’ll be more than happy to talk you through our fee structure and the additional benefits that are included.
