Funding

Understanding Funded Childcare

Good news! If you live in England, you can get 30 hours government-funded childcare each week during school term time. All you need is a code from the government – then give it to us at Urmston Day Nursery. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

At Urmston Day Nursery, we spread your funded hours evenly over 52 weeks, so you can make the most of your funding with consistent childcare all year round.

What is Government-Funded Childcare?

The government offers 30 hours government-funded childcare per week for 38 weeks* a year.
It’s designed to help with childcare costs and ensure that children have access to high-quality care and education.
Learn more on GOV.UK: 30 hours free childcare

At Urmston Day Nursery, we spread your funded hours evenly across 52 weeks, helping you make the most of your childcare funding all year round.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if all of these are true:

You live in England.
Your child is over 9 months old.
You (and your partner, if you have one) each earn at least £183 per week on average (16 hours at the National Minimum Wage).
Neither you nor your partner has a net income over £100,000 a year.

💡Tip: If you’re on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or can’t work because of a disability or caring duties, you still count as “working” and can apply.

When to Apply

You must have your code before the term starts.
For example, for a September term, you must apply by 31 August.
Applying early means no delays – so start as soon as you can!

How to Apply

Visit the government childcare portal.
Sign in or create an account (to create an account you will first need your Government Gateway user ID. If you’re a new user, you will need to register for one here).
Enter your details (you, your partner, your child).
Check you meet the rules and click “Apply.”
Wait for your code by email.
Give your code to us – you can do this via email or at drop-off.

👇 Take a look at our handy infographic below to see these simple steps in one view!

Keep Your Code Active

Every three months, log back into your GOV.UK childcare account to:

Confirm your details are still correct.
Avoid any pause in your government-funded hours.

How Does Urmston Day Nursery Support Government Funded Childcare?

At Urmston Day Nursery, we know childcare costs can be tricky. That’s why we:

Remind you when it’s time to re-confirm your code every three months.
Answer any questions you have – just contact us or chat with your local setting.
Plan fun, learning-filled days for your child.

Extra Support You Might Get Tax-Free Childcare

Who it’s for: Any working family (including those with the 30 hours code).
What you save: Up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 if your child has a disability).

How to use it:

Apply or sign in at the same GOV.UK childcare account.
Deposit money into your Tax-Free Childcare account.
The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in.
Pay us from your Tax-Free Childcare balance.
Learn more about Tax-Free Childcare here

💡Key point: This runs alongside your 30 hours code – so you can stack the savings.

15-Hour Entitlement for Families on Benefits

Who it’s for: Families receiving any of these benefits:

Income Support
Universal Credit
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Child Tax Credit

What you get:

15 hours of government-funded childcare per week for 2-year-olds.
15 hours per week for 3-year-olds.

💡Important: This does not change under the September 2025 rules – benefit-only families remain on 15 hours, not 30 hours.

Childcare Funding in Other Nations

If you live outside England, each nation has its own offer and rules. Visit your local government page for full details:

Wales – Up to 30 hours of early education and childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds (plus 10 hours for some 2-year-olds): Childcare Offer for Wales
Our guide to funded childcare in Wales
Scotland – Up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare each year (30 hours per week over 38 weeks): Help Paying for Childcare
Northern Ireland – Up to 30 hours of free childcare for eligible working parents of children aged 2–4: Childcare Costs and Funding

Feel free to click the links above to see exact eligibility rules, application dates, and how to apply in your nation!