Age 2 Years
We also offer funded places to certain 2-year-olds whose families meet qualifying criteria. Eligible children can receive 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks if you meet one or more of the eligibitly requirements below.
Who Is Eligible
Parents are in receipt of particular government benefits
The child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
The child is subject to a kinship or guardianship order
The child is being looked after by a local authority
The child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
The child is subject to a kinship or guardianship order
The child is being looked after by a local authority
Applying for Funding
Apply online via the Best Start in Life / government childcare portal.
Provide required details (e.g. National Insurance number, proof of identity, child’s birth certificate).
If your application is successful, you will receive an eligibility code.
Provide this code to your nursery manager.
We will validate the code with the local authority on your behalf.
Full details are available via the government’s Best Start in Life – Childcare & Early Years Education site:
Provide required details (e.g. National Insurance number, proof of identity, child’s birth certificate).
If your application is successful, you will receive an eligibility code.
Provide this code to your nursery manager.
We will validate the code with the local authority on your behalf.
Full details are available via the government’s Best Start in Life – Childcare & Early Years Education site:
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.