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Funded Hours

Here at Raising Explorers we understand that paying for childcare isn’t always easy, which is why we promote the use of funded hours and the support that is offered to make paying for childcare easier. Whether this is your first time enrolling your child for nursery or you are trying to understand your eligibility as your child grows.

The 2026 childcare entitlement and regional rules

England

  • Working parents: Up to 30 hours of funded childcare is now available for children aged 9 months to 4 years. This is capped at 1,140 hours maximum per year (30 hours x 38 weeks).
  • Universal support: 15 hours for ALL 3- & 4-year-olds, capped at 570 hours maximum per year.
  • Government support: Up to 15 hours for 2-year-olds on qualifying benefits.
  • You can check your eligibility and find out more about funded childcare through the Best Start in Life website.
Are you eligible?

Working parent eligibility rules

Earnings & Zero Hours

Earnings & Zero Hours

You (and your partner) must expect to earn at least £203.36 per week on average (around £10,575 a year), equivalent to 16 hours at the National Living Wage. On a zero-hours contract? You qualify if your fluctuating earnings average out to this threshold over 3 months.

Income Limits

Income Limits

Neither parent can have an adjusted net income of over £100,000 in the current tax year. Note that worldwide income counts in this calculation.

Leave & Disability

Leave & Disability

If on maternity, paternity, adoption, or sick leave, you still count as “working”. However, if applying for the child subject of the leave, you cannot start the entitlement until your return-to-work date is within one month of the term starting.

Additional financial support

Tax-Free Childcare

For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year (capped at £500 every three months). This results in a substantial 20% reduction in your childcare expenses and can be used in conjunction with funded childcare hours.

Monthly savings examples:

FEES

£200

→
YOU SAVE

£40

FEES

£400

→
YOU SAVE

£80

FEES

£800

→
YOU SAVE

£160

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

This funding is aimed at improving the education of disadvantaged children aged 9 months and above.

Disability Access Funding (DAF)

Available to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This can begin from 9 months of age depending on eligibility.

Making the most of your funded hours

We want to make childcare costs as simple and manageable as possible for our families. That’s why we spread your funded childcare hours evenly across 52 weeks of the year, helping to keep your monthly childcare hours and payments more consistent.
The amount of funded childcare available to your child will depend on when they become eligible during the academic year. We’ll work this out for you and clearly explain how your funded hours will be spread across the year.

30 Hours Entitlement

Autumn or Spring starters

22 hours per week

Summer starters

Start with 18 hours, increasing to 22 hours from the new academic year.

15 Hours Entitlement

Autumn or Spring starters

11 hours per week

Summer starters

Start with 9 hours, increasing to 11 hours from the new academic year.

Government Support (15h)

Autumn or Spring starters

11 hours per week

Summer starters

Start with 9 hours, increasing to 11 hours from the new academic year.
Apply

When & How to Apply

Your child’s funded childcare place will usually begin from the term after they reach the eligible age. If you are applying for the working parent entitlement of up to 30 funded hours, you can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.
Child’s Birthday
Funding Can Start From
Recommended Time to Apply
Child’s Birthday
1 January – 31 March
Funding Can Start From
Term starting on or after 1 April
Recommended Time to Apply
15 January – 28 February
Child’s Birthday
1 April – 31 August
Funding Can Start From
Term starting on or after 1 September
Recommended Time to Apply
15 June – 31 July
Child’s Birthday
1 September – 31 December
Funding Can Start From
Term starting on or after 1 January
Recommended Time to Apply
15 October – 30 November
Three simple steps

How to Claim Your Funded Hours

1

Apply for your funding

Set up a childcare account and apply for your funded childcare entitlement through the official government childcare portal.
2

Receive your funding code

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a unique 11-digit eligibility code. Simply provide this code to your nursery manager so we can confirm your funded place.
3

Complete your Parental Agreement

To complete your funding claim with us, you will need to fill in the Agreement form. Then we will provide you with the information and support you need to complete the claim.