Funded and Non-funded Places, Explained Plainly
Daffodil Nursery offers two routes in: government-funded places, using the funded early-education hours many families are entitled to, and non-funded (private) places for families who want hours beyond or outside the funded scheme. This page explains both, without jargon, and points you to the official tools for checking what you're entitled to.
The Funded Route: Government-funded Childcare Hours
The government funds early education and childcare for families in England. The scheme is national: the rules are the same at every provider. Under the current scheme it works like this:
- Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week for children from 9 months old up to school age. Eligibility depends on both parents (or a lone parent) working and meeting the scheme's income rules. The quickest way to know is the official checker below. The scheme rules are set out at GOV.UK: free childcare if you're working.
- All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of funded early education, regardless of whether parents work.
- Some 2-year-olds qualify for 15 funded hours through the additional-support route: for example, families receiving certain benefits or children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP, a legal document setting out a child's special educational needs and support).
Funded hours are generally based on 38 weeks of the year (term time), and providers may charge for extras such as meals. The definitive, up-to-date rules, and the application itself, live at Childcare Choices, the government's official childcare support site.
How to check and apply
- Check what you're entitled to at childcarechoices.gov.uk. It takes a few minutes and covers every scheme, including Tax-Free Childcare.
- Apply online for the working-families entitlement; if eligible, you receive a code. Codes need reconfirming with HMRC periodically, and apply from the term after you qualify, so apply the term before you want to start.
- Bring us your code, and we'll do the rest: we confirm it and set up your child's funded place.
Local, human help is available too: the Tower Hamlets Family Information Service offers free advice on childcare and funding for families in the borough.
The Non-funded Route: Private Places
Not every family fits the funded scheme, and some want more than it covers. Non-funded places are straightforward private sessions, paid directly to the nursery. Current session options and rates are shown below and are always available from the school office.
Many families combine the two routes: funded hours plus additional private sessions. Tell us what your week needs and we'll set out exactly how it would work, in writing, before you commit to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious what those hours feel like once your child is in the room? Read about a day at the nursery, or start at the Nursery overview.
How do I know if we qualify for 30 funded hours?
Use the official checker at childcarechoices.gov.uk. It asks about your work, income and your child's age, and gives you a definitive answer in minutes. Broadly, both parents (or a lone parent) need to be working and within the scheme's income rules, but the checker is the source of truth.
My child is 2. Can we get funded hours?
Possibly, through either route. Eligible working families can access funded hours from 9 months old, so a 2-year-old can qualify that way. Separately, some 2-year-olds qualify for 15 hours through additional support, for example where a family receives certain benefits. Check both at childcarechoices.gov.uk.
What if we don't qualify for any funded hours?
Then the non-funded route is yours: private sessions, paid directly, with current rates available from the office and shown on this page. And remember that all 3- and 4-year-olds get 15 universal funded hours regardless of work status, so a fully private arrangement often becomes partly funded later.
Can we use funded hours and pay for extra sessions on top?
Yes, this is common. Your funded entitlement covers part of the week and private sessions cover the rest. We'll map your entitlement against the sessions you need and confirm the exact arrangement, and any costs, in writing before your child starts.
Do funded hours cover everything, or are there extra charges?
The funded hours cover early education and care during those hours. Nationally, providers may charge for extras such as meals. We'll be completely transparent about anything that applies here before you accept a place. You'll never meet a cost you weren't told about.
When should I apply for funded hours?
Earlier than feels necessary. Working-families codes apply from the term after you become eligible, so apply in the term before you want your child to start, and reconfirm your code with HMRC when prompted. If the timing is confusing, call us. We help families with this constantly.
Talk It Through with Us
Funding rules are national; children are individual. Come and see the nursery, bring your questions about hours and costs, and leave with a clear picture. Visits are individual, bookable by slot, and hosted by the headteacher.
Ask us anything: we reply within 24 hours · Or call 020 4539 9737.