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Early Years Funding: what you need to know
We are delighted to be able to offer Government Early Years Funding to our families. All children aged three and four in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year, starting from the term following their third birthday.
Eligible working families may also qualify for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. This extended funding is available for children aged from nine months up to four years.
Understanding how it works
Early Years Funding provides either 15 or 30 funded hours per week for 38 weeks of the year (term time). As we are open for 50 weeks of the year, the funding is spread evenly across the full year. This means:
• 15 hours of funding equates to 11.4 hours per week
• 30 hours of funding equates to 22.8 hours per week
Depending on your childcare arrangement, you may still receive a monthly invoice while using funded hours. This may include:
• Any additional hours attended beyond the funded entitlement
• Charges for meals, consumables, and activities provided during funded hours, which are not included in Government funding rates
We offer fully funded places (where no additional hours are taken) across our nurseries. Availability and booking patterns vary by nursery. Fully funded places may be provided on either a term-time or stretched basis, depending on the nursery’s operational requirements at any given time. Upon request, the Nursery Manager will discuss the available options for a fully funded place directly with parents.
How do I find out if I’m eligible?
Visit beststartinlife.gov.uk to see if you’re eligible.
When can my child start receiving funding?
Children become eligible for age-related funding from the term following their qualifying birthday (or qualifying month for children aged nine months).
The start dates for each term are:
• 1 January
• 1 April
• 1 September
Families claiming the 30-hour entitlement must apply to HMRC and receive a positive eligibility decision, including a valid eligibility code. This code must be provided to us before we can claim your child’s Early Years Funding.
Eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months when prompted by HMRC. If this is not completed, the 30-hour funding may be withdrawn.
Do you provide fully funded childcare places?
Funded childcare hours include modest additional charges for items and services that fall outside the scope of Government Early Years Funding. These can include home-cooked meals and refreshments made daily by our in-house chef, consumables ,and range of enrichment opportunities offered by Blooming tulips Montessori. Alongside our everyday Extras, these also include optional enhancement activities that extend learning beyond the EYFS.
Early Years Funding does not cover the cost of these items and is not intended to do so. the enhanced activities make a valuable contribution to children’s development, wellbeing, and preparation for school. Our inclusive ethos ensures that all children at Blooming Tulips Montessori have access to the same high standard of care, experiences, and opportunities.
All children benefit from freshly prepared, home-cooked meals made daily by our in-house chef. Our enrichment activities are thoughtfully planned to enhance learning beyond the EYFS and to nurture children’s emotional and social development. They are supported by specialist equipment and high-quality resources to ensure engaging and meaningful experiences.
Families may choose to opt out of food, consumables, enrichment activities, and the related charges during funded hours. To explore this option further, contact our finance team.
Montessori education yields children who thrive on their own, triumphantly gaining independence and confidence. It’s empowering to watch them approach their own learning with excitement and pride, building the foundation for success, joy, and a fulfilling life.
Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
Tax-Free Childcare is a Government-backed scheme designed to help families reduce the cost of childcare, including nursery fees. It can be used in addition to both the 15-hour and 30-hour Early Years Funding entitlements.
While the eligibility requirements are similar to those for the 30-hour funding, Tax-Free Childcare differs in that it is available for all children of nursery age.
Full details about eligibility, how the scheme works, and how to apply can be found through the Tax-Free Childcare online portal.
“Every little mind is unique and develops at their own pace – it’s essential to understand that not all will learn the same concepts together. Education must meet each child where they are. Montessori education encourages children to take on new and ever-challenging concepts that they have mastered – it allows them to build their foundation of knowledge. By not forcing those who may need more time or focusing solely on speed learners, each child can develop at a rate suitable for them. Furthermore, when the basics have been established, there is no point in dwelling on laborious repetition – which can lead to boredom and disengagement from a subject matter, therefore allowing motivation within children to be empowered.”