Age 3 & 4 Years
All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks, regardless of parental income or working status. This entitlement applies to every child in this age range.
Stretched Funding
We recognise that childcare needs often extend beyond term time. That is why Little Ripley offers the option to stretch your funded hours over 52 weeks, rather than the standard 38 weeks. By stretching, you gain greater flexibility and more consistent childcare provision throughout the full year.
Additional Support with Childcare Costs
In addition to funded hours, you may benefit from these additional government schemes:
Tax-Free Childcare — For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children).
Childcare Vouchers — An employer-sponsored scheme that lets you pay for childcare using pre-tax salary. Note: this scheme is closed to new entrants, but existing users may continue while eligible and offered by their employer.
Tax-Free Childcare — For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children).
Childcare Vouchers — An employer-sponsored scheme that lets you pay for childcare using pre-tax salary. Note: this scheme is closed to new entrants, but existing users may continue while eligible and offered by their employer.