Government Childcare Funding

Starting nursery is a big milestone for both your child and your family. At Little Tots, we know that navigating childcare costs and government support can feel overwhelming. We've created this simple guide to help you understand what funding support is available from September 2025 and how to make the most of it.

We have also included a checklist to help you take the right steps to apply for funding and plan your childcare budget.

What Government Support Is Available?

From September 2025, the UK Government is expanding support for working parents with children from 9 months to 4 years old. Here’s a breakdown of what you may be eligible for:

You must meet income and employment criteria for the 30-hour offer.

You can also choose to “stretch” your funding across 51 weeks instead of 38 (for year-round childcare), but this will reduce the number of funded hours per week.

Tax-Free Childcare

You may also be eligible for the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which can be used alongside funded hours. This scheme is available for working parents earning at least £152 per week. You can apply through your government childcare account online or learn more here.

For every £8 you pay, the government adds £2

Up to £2,000 per year per child (or £4,000 if your child is disabled)

What Does Government Funding Cover at Little Tots?

Government funding covers your child’s core care and education hours only. It does not cover:

  • Meals and snacks

  • Nappies and wipes

  • Enrichment activities (e.g. Forest School, Yoga, Music & Dance)

At Little Tots:

  • Additional hours beyond the funded entitlement are charged up to £9.80/hour depending on the age of your child. This rate includes your child’s meals and enrichment activities. 

  • Funded hours can be used as part of a longer day or full week

Am I Eligible for 30 Hours of Funding?

You may be eligible if:

  • Both parents (or one in a single-parent household) are working

  • Each earns the equivalent of at least 16 hours/week at minimum wage

  • Neither parent earns more than £100,000 per year

Apply here to see if you are eligible and once you have been approved, provide your funding code to Little Tots.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Checklist

✔ Step 1: Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
✔ Step 2: Create or log into your government childcare account
✔ Step 3: Check your eligibility and apply for 15 or 30 funded hours
✔ Step 4: Apply for Tax-Free Childcare if eligible
✔ Step 5: Once approved, you’ll receive a funding code
✔ Step 6: Share your code with Little Tots before each term’s deadline
✔ Step 7: Work with us to plan your child’s funded hours and any extra care you need

Questions? We’re here to help!

If you’re unsure what you’re eligible for or how the funding will work alongside your family’s needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.

Contact us at: enquiries@little-tots.co.uk or 0118 959 1371