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 and then share it with your Kids Planet nursery! 

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

child high-fiving their key person whilst doing a painting activity

What is government funded childcare?

30 Hours Funded Childcare infographic (2)

Government-funded childcare is support from the government to help with the cost of nursery fees while giving your child the very best start in life. From September 2025, eligible working parents of children aged nine months up to school age can access up to 30 hours a week, for 38 weeks of the year.

These funded hours are designed to make childcare more affordable for families and to ensure every child can enjoy high-quality early education in a safe, nurturing environment.

At Kids Planet, we make it simple to claim your funded hours, so you can focus on what matters most - watching your little discover our world at their feet.

How Kids Planet supports funded childcare

We know childcare costs can feel overwhelming, and applying for funding isn’t always straightforward.

That’s why at Kids Planet, we make the process as simple and supportive as possible.

Here’s how we help:

➡️ Flexible hours to suit your family – you can spread your funded hours across the whole year, not just term time. That works out at around 22 hours a week for 52 weeks, giving you more consistency.

➡️ Reminders to keep you on track – we’ll let you know when it’s time to reconfirm your code every three months, so you don’t risk losing your funding.

➡️ Help whenever you need it – our friendly team are here to answer your questions, guide you through the application process, and make sure your child’s funded place runs smoothly.

➡️ No hidden extras – all of our nurseries include play, learning activities, and outdoor adventures as part of your child’s day, without surprise charges.

💡 Our goal is simple: to take the stress out of funding so you can focus on watching your child grow, learn and thrive.

Similing nursery worker painting with three toddlers
Want to know more?
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch. Or just scroll down to explore more FAQs and funding resources.
 

Contact us to explore your funded childcare options

Useful guides to help you save more on childcare

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What the Government's NEW 'Best Start in Life' strategy means for you and your child?
Nursery Staff member and blonde haired pre-schooler playing with water outdoors
Your guide to childcare funding if you claim Universal Credit
Children using tuff trays to explore vegetables and lettuce
Childcare Vouchers vs Tax-Free childcare: What's the difference?

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

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 country!

Parent holding newborn signing up to Kids Planet Nursery

Funded childcare FAQs

Here are some common questions we get about government funded childcare from parents:
What are the benefits of government funded childcare?

Getting government-funded childcare at Kids Planet brings big advantages for you and your child:

  • Saves You Money
    You pay less on childcare costs. That means more budget for your family’s needs.

  • Boosts Your Child’s Learning
    Your little one enjoys fun games, stories and activities that help them learn new skills - like talking, sharing and counting.

  • Supports Your Work Plans
    Whether you’re going back to work, studying or need extra hours, funded childcare gives you more freedom and confidence to plan your week.

  • Helps Children Make Friends
    Group play time builds social skills. Your child learns to take turns, help others and make friends.

  • Builds a Strong Foundation
    Early education at Kids Planet sets your child up for success at school and beyond.

  • Shows Children the Value of Learning
    By seeing you balance work and learning, your child grows up knowing how important education and goals can be.

When does 30 hours per week funded childcare start?

The 30 hours entitlement begins from September 2025. To secure your place, you’ll need to apply and have your code ready before the start of the term your child is due to join (for example, by 31 August for a September start).

Can I combine Tax-Free Childcare with my 30 funded hours?

Yes, you can. The 30-hour entitlement is separate from the Tax‑Free Childcare scheme, which means you can use both simultaneously to reduce your costs.

Do I need to reapply if I already get 15 hours of government-funded childcare?

No, you don’t need to apply again. If you already have a valid code for 15 hours and you’re eligible for 30 hours from September 2025, your code will update automatically. Just make sure you keep reconfirming your details every three months in your childcare account to keep your funding active.

Can I spread the funded childcare hours over the year?

Yes! The government funds 30 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year (term time). That adds up to 1,140 hours in total.

At Kids Planet, we know most working parents prefer their funding to be spread evenly, so instead of using it only in term time, we can stretch the hours across 52 weeks. This works out at around 22 hours per week all year round, which means:

  • A more consistent pattern of care for your child.

  • A steady, predictable monthly bill for you.

Many providers offer this stretched option, and we’re happy to arrange it if it works best for your family.

How can I check if I’m eligible for funded childcare?

For more information, visit The Best Start in Life website (formally Childcare Choices)

Will I have to pay for anything on top of the funded hours?

The funded hours only cover your child’s early education and care, but childcare  providers often charge extra for consumables like meals, nappies, wipes, additional hours, or trips. At Kids Planet, we call these Essentials & Extras.

You don’t have to pay for these if you don’t want to - your nursery should offer alternatives.

How much do I need to earn to qualify for funded childcare?

To be eligible, you (and your partner, if you have one) must each earn at least £183 a week on average — equal to around 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage.

There’s also an upper limit: if either of you earns £100,000 or more per year, you won’t qualify.

How do I find funded childcare near me?

All our nurseries accept funded childcare places, subject to eligibility. Find your nearest Kids Planet nursery.

Can I split my funded hours between two different childcare providers?

Yes - you can split your funded hours across different providers. Typically, you're allowed to use up to two different sites in one day, or up to three providers in a week, as long as no provider exceeds your total entitlement.

Can I use my funded hours for wraparound care, like breakfast or after-school clubs?

Yes, in many cases you can. Some providers allow you to use your funded hours more flexibly, including for wraparound services like breakfast or after-school clubs. At Kids Planet, you can also use funded hours towards holiday clubs and wraparound care at settings that offer these options.

👉 Find out more here

What if only one parent works?

That’s fine too - the non-working parent can still be eligible if they are on Statutory Leave (like maternity or adoption), sick/annual leave, or receiving qualifying support like Carer’s Allowance.

What if I lose my job or my income changes – will I lose the funding straight away?

No, you don’t lose it overnight. There’s a grace period that lets you keep your funded hours for a while, giving you time to get back on your feet. And if your situation changes long-term, you’ll usually still be able to access the 15 universal hours once your child is 3 or 4.

What if my child needs extra support or has SEND - can they still get funded childcare?

Yes! Children with extra needs, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or receiving Disability Living Allowance, still qualify for funded childcare. In many cases, they may be entitled to 30 hours per week, combining both working-family eligibility and additional support schemes.

Where can I read more about the funded childcare I am entitled to?

You can find full details and apply for government-funded childcare through the Best Start in Life (formally Childcare Choices) website.

If you’d like help understanding what you’re entitled to, our Nursery Managers are always happy to chat through your options and explain how funded places work at Kids Planet.

You can also explore our Parent FAQs for more information about our nurseries, policies, and the extra ways we support families.