Childcare Support Funding Options

30 hours childcare

For eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 4 years.

Up to 30 hours of funded childcare support over 38 weeks of the year for children aged between 9 months and 4 years old.
Can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers.
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

15 hours childcare

For all families with 3 and 4 year olds.

15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers.
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over up to 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Universal Credit Childcare

For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17 who aren't receiving Tax-Free Childcare.
Paid up to the end of August following the child's 16th birthday.
Claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs.

Tax-Free Childcare

15 hours childcare for 2 year olds receiving support

If you’re a working parent or carer, you can get a £2 top-up for every £8 that you pay towards childcare. You can use it to pay for childcare including:

Childminders, nurseries and nannies
Before and after school clubs
Holiday clubs
Specialist equipment for the childcare provider to use for your child, such as mobility aids

Families receiving additional forms of support can receive funded childcare for 2 year olds.

15 hours of early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers.
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over up to 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

For more information regarding the childcare support available and to check your eligibility please visit the Best Start in Life parent hub by clicking here.

Our Fees

We accept children from ages 2 years to 4 years.

Our fees are £5.50 per hour and we accept all funding for children where applicable.

The funding received from Essex County Council does not include the costs of snacks, additional hours or consumables (Baking, Extra circular activities like Kixx, Tapestry, Multi-sports, School readiness, Seasonal events etc). To cover the cost of these consumables and to continue to provide the children with these extras we charge a cost of 50p per session per child. If you do not wish to pay for specific consumables, for example because you wish to provide your own, please make us aware so next steps can be discussed. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please let us know so that we can support you.

Edenred Childcare Vouchers Reference: P21112422

Charity Number: 1041244

Ofsted Reference: 203441