Funded Childcare

Can I Get Help with Childcare Costs?

First Steps Nursery are proud to say that we back working families! Families come in all shapes and sizes, and we understand that childcare can be expensive and stressful! Especially when holding down a job and raising a family!

So that’s why here at First Steps, subject to eligibility, we offer children either 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

15 Hours Eligibility:

All three and four-year-old children can currently receive up to 15 hours of funded early education per week. This is known as universal entitlement and is on offer to all families no matter their income.

• Every 3-4 year old can receive 15 hours of funded childcare
• 570 Hours per year
• Taken over term time (or can be split across the 51 weeks which we are open)

30 Hours Eligibility:

Additionally, your family could be eligible to receive an extra 15 hours of funded childcare for children over 9 months old a week – That’s right 30 hours!

You usually qualify to get 30 hours of funded childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

• In employment
• Earning at least the National minimum wage or living wage for 16 hours a week (£125.28)
• Have a taxable income of under £100,000
• UK Resident
• 1,140 Hours a Year taken across term time or can be split across the 51 weeks we are open

Extra Support 15 Hours Scheme

If you do not qualify for the 30 hours free childcare, you could still be able to access 15 hours of free childcare before your child is 3 years old (before you qualify for universal entitlement). This is because the government now offer 15 hours of free childcare for your 2-year-old if you or your child currently gets extra support (including certain benefits or if your child has an EHC plan). To check your eligibility, see the government website or get in touch with our team!

If you are unsure where to start with applying for nursery funding, check out our guide, where you can find a step-by-step approach.

Tax-Free Childcare

Did you know that working families can additionally apply for tax-free childcare too? For every £0.80 a parent pays into an account, the government will contribute £0.20. To view the step by step guide visit the government site here: Tax-Free Childcare.

You can use tax-free childcare to pay for approved childcare for children up to age 11, or up to 16 if your child has a disability. If eligible, you can get up to £500 every three months, up to £2,000 a year, for each of your children. If your child is disabled, you can receive up to £4,000 a year.

If you would like to understand more about funded childcare or to book a tour – Get In Touch or Call Us today!

Serving working Families from Maxey, Market Deeping, Stamford & Bourne