Choosing a childcare option that is right for your family, can be a difficult task.
Did you know there are lots of options available to help you finanacially depending on your individual circumstance.
Below we have a list of all the available types of funding and links with further information and how to apply.
2-year-old Funding
The current 2 year funding options are increasing.
Currently families in receipt of some additional forms of government support may be entitled to 15 hours funding for their 2 year old, starting the term after they turn 2 years old. See if you meet the criteria here.
Click here to apply for 2 year old funding
Working parents from April 2024, may be entitled to 15 hours funding for their 2 year old the term after they turn 2 years old.
You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least equal to 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage.
If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.
Click here to apply for the working family 2-year funding
Applications open 2nd January 2024
15 hours free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds
All 3 to 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 570 hours of funded childcare per year. (called universal funding)
You do not need to apply for this funding, just tell your provider you would like your child to receive it and they will apply on your behalf. Your child will be eligaible the term after they turn 3.
30 hours free childcare for eligible families
Eligible families may be able to get an additonal 570 hours of funded childcare. (called extended funding) You may be eligaible if
- you live in England
- your child is 3 to 4 years old
- You are working parents
Unlike the universal 15 hours childcare that all 3 and 4 year old receive, you will need to apply for these addional hours.
I am a foster carer and would like to apply for the 30 hours funding.
Children in foster care will be able to receive 30 hours free childcare from September 2018, if the following criteria are met:
- That accessing the extended hours is consistent with the child’s care plan, placing the child at the centre of the process and decision making
AND - In single parent foster families, the foster parent engages in paid work outside their role as a foster parent.
OR - In two parent foster families, both partners engage in paid work outside their role as a foster parent. If one partner is not a foster parent then they must be in qualifying paid work and earn a minimum of the equivalent to 16 hours at national minimum/national living wage.
Funding for 30 hours is available from the term after:
- your foster child turns three, and
- the date you receive your eligibility code from Cornwall Council.
Whichever date is later.
We recommend that you apply in good time, so that you receive your code the term before your child becomes eligible. You can apply up to 16 weeks before your foster child turns three.
If you need more help please contact the Nursery Funding Team by telephone on 01872 324105 or email nurseryfunding@cornwall.gov.uk .
30 Hours – Children in Foster Care Applications Process
Tax-Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare is a scheme run by the government where for every £8 you pay for childcare, the government will pay £2.
It is for children aged 0-11 (16 if your child has a disability) whose parents are working.
You can receive up to £2,000 per child, per year (£4,000 if your child has a disability)
You may be able to use your Tax-Free Childcare alongside your child's 15 or 30 hour funding.
How to apply for 30 Hours and/or Tax Free Childcare [Video]
Care to Learn Scheme
The Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study.
You must be aged under 20 at the start of your course.
Childcare Grant
You may be eligible for help with your childcare costs if you:
- are a full-time higher education student
- have children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
The grant:
- does not have to be paid back
- is paid on top of your other student finance
Universal Credit and Childcare
You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you’re eligible for Universal Credit.
Student Services
If you are returning to education, it is worth asking your student services team if they are able to help you with childcare costs
Upcoming changes to childcare funding
In the spring of 2023, the government said that it would be increasing the amount of funded childcare that it was offering.
Additional funding options are now available for working parents who meet certain guidelines. These guidelines are the same as those for the 30 hour funding for 3 and 4 year olds.
Additional/Optional Charges
When your child is at a childcare setting, you may be able to access some of the funding listed above, however the funding the government pays for your child is to cover the cost of high quality, flexible childcare, it is not to cover the cost of meals, consumables, or additional hours.
Here is an example of what settings can charge:
| What can they charge? |
Alternative |
| Refundable deposit |
A provider may not charge parents a deposit or registration fee to secure a funded place |
| Meals and Snacks |
Settings will have their own polices, which may include, parent’s being able to provide a packed lunch or have other arrangements in place. |
| Nappies and wet wipes |
Setting will have their own polices, which may include, parents are able to provide their own. |
| Suncream |
Parents are able to provide their own. |
| Outings and trips (forest school, zoo trips etc.) |
Parents can decide whether to send child. |
| Pick up and drop offs |
Parent to arrange if needed. |
| On call (whilst child is at another setting) |
Parent to arrange if needed. |
| Additional Hours |
Parents can purchase additional hours at the settings set price. |
All parents should have the same rights to access a funded childcare place, regardless of if they chose to pay additional charges. There should be no restriction on the child accessing a funded place.