Government Funded Childcare

At Little Ripley, we believe that high-quality early education plays a pivotal role in every child’s development. We are proud to offer a range of Early Education Entitlement (EEE) places for families with children aged 9 months to 4 years. These funded places allow parents and carers to access childcare support in our nurturing, supportive environment. Below, you will find a clear, continuous guide to the various funded childcare options, eligibility, how to apply, and additional financial support schemes.

Funding for Working Families

Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, beginning from when their child is 9 months old, right up until the child starts school. This helps working parents balance work and family life, while ensuring children benefit from early education.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

  • In a two-parent household, each parent earns at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours per week
  • In a single-parent household, the sole parent meets that same threshold
  • No parent has an annual income above £100,000
Full details are available via the government’s Best Start in Life – Childcare & Early Years Education site: beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education

Applying for Funding

  1. Apply online via the Best Start in Life / government childcare portal.
  2. Provide required details (e.g. National Insurance number, proof of identity, child’s birth certificate).
  3. If your application is successful, you will receive an eligibility code.
  4. Provide this code to your nursery manager.
  5. We will validate the code with the local authority on your behalf.
Note: For universal funding (3- and 4-year-olds), you usually only need to provide proof of your child’s age (birth certificate or passport). For 2-year-olds under the support scheme (see next section), you may need confirmation from the local authority that you meet the qualifying conditions.

Reconfirmation of Eligibility

Once you are approved for the 30-hour funding, HMRC will prompt you approximately every three months to reconfirm your details via your Childcare Service account. You will receive a reminder by email. This reconfirmation is vital in order to continue receiving funded hours in subsequent terms.

Universal Funding (3- and 4-Year-Olds)

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.

Funded Places for Two-Year-Olds (Support-Based)

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 one or more of the following apply:
  • 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
This scheme helps children in families with additional needs access early education support from an earlier age.

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.

How to Check Your Eligibility

To find out which funding schemes you qualify for, visit: Best Start in Life – Childcare & Early Years Education beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education This site includes an eligibility checker and guidance on applying for funded childcare.