FUNDING

📚 Early Years Funding Explained

(9 Months – 4 Years)

At The House that Jack Built we understand that childcare funding can feel complicated. The good news is that eligible working families can now receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week from the term after their child turns 9 months old, right through to school age.

Here’s a simple guide to how it works.

👶 Funding for Children Aged 9 Months to 2 Years

Eligible working parents can receive:


✅ Up to 30 Hours Per Week


From the term after your child turns 9 months old, you may be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

This is available for 38 weeks per year (term time).



At The House that Jack Built we offer this as a stretched funding option, spreading the hours across 51 weeks of the year to reduce your monthly fees.      There is also a 43 week offer for those parents who are teachers. 

🧸 Funding for 2-Year-Olds

Two types of funding may be available:


1️) 30 Hours for Working Families

If you meet the working parent criteria, your child can receive up to 30 funded hours per week – across 38 weeks of the year.


2️) 15 Hours for Eligible Families (Benefits-Based)

Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 funded hours if families receive certain benefits or meet specific additional criteria.


We are happy to help you check which option applies to you. 

🎈 Funding for 3 & 4-Year-Olds

All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to:


✅ 15 Hours Universal Funding

Available to every family, regardless of income or employment status.


In addition:



✅ Up to 30 Hours for Eligible Working Families

Working parents who meet the criteria can receive the full 30 hours per week. 

When Does Funding Start?

Funding begins the term after your child reaches the eligible age:

  • Born 1 January – 31 March → Funding starts in April
  • Born 1 April – 31 August → Funding starts in September
  • Born 1 September – 31 December → Funding starts in January

 

Working Parent Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 30 hours offer:

  • Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be working
  • Each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage
  • Neither parent can earn more than £100,000 per year
  • You must apply online to receive a funding code
  • Codes must be reconfirmed every 3 months

What Does the Funding Cover?

Government funding contributes towards:

  • Early education
  • Learning experiences
  • Care during funded hours


Please note:
Meals, snacks, consumables (such as nappies or wipes), and additional hours outside funded sessions may incur additional charges. We always explain these clearly and transparently.  At The House that Jack Built, we charge for meals and snacks during the funded hours. Please let us know if you need support with this.

We’re Here to Help

Funding rules can change, and every family’s situation is different.



Our team is always happy to:

  • Help you check eligibility
  • Support you with your application
  • Explain stretched funding options
  • Provide a personalised fee breakdown


Please speak to us anytime — we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • When can my child start using funded hours?

    Funding starts from the term after your child turns 9 months, 2, or 3 years old (depending on the scheme). It does not begin immediately on their birthday.

  • What does the funding actually cover?

    The funding contributes towards:

    • Early education

    • Learning activities

    • Care during funded hours

    Additional charges may apply for meals, snacks, consumables (such as nappies and wipes, at The House that Jack Built we do not charge for consumables), and any hours outside your funded entitlement. We will always provide a clear fee breakdown.

  • What does “stretched funding” mean?

    Government funding is based on 38 weeks per year (term time).

    If your child attends nursery all year round, we can “stretch” the funded hours across 51 weeks. This means:

    • Fewer funded hours per week

    • Lower, more consistent monthly payments

    We can explain which option works best for your family.

  • Do both parents have to be working?

    Yes, unless you are a single-parent household. Both parents must meet the minimum earnings requirement to qualify for the 30-hour offer.

  • What happens if I don’t reconfirm my code?

    You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months. If this is not completed in time, funding may stop until your code becomes valid again.

    We send reminders to help you stay on track.

  • Can I use funding with more than one provider?

    Yes. Funding can be split between providers, as long as the total claimed hours do not exceed your entitlement.

  • How do I apply?

    You apply online via the government childcare account system to receive your funding code. Once you have your code, simply provide it to us and we will verify it for you.

    If you would like support with your application, our team is happy to help.