Government Funded Childcare

✅ What types of childcare funding are available

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• Universal free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds: Up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks a year (or 12 hours a week stretched across the year for 48 weeks)  from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.

• Funded childcare for working parents: From 9 months old 30 hours per week for 38 weeks a year (or 24 hours a week stretched across the year for 48 weeks).

• Supported-funded childcare for two-year-olds:  If you get benefit support (income support, Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance, low income tax credits, etc.), your two-year-old may qualify for up to 15 funded hours per week for 38 weeks a year (or 12 hours a week stretched across the year for 48 weeks)  from the term after your child’s 2nd birthday.

• Tax‑Free Childcare: A scheme where you open an online childcare account; for every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2, up to a yearly limit — usable with registered childcare providers.

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📝 How to apply — the typical process in Lincolnshire

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1. Check eligibility

   • For working-parent funded childcare or Tax-Free Childcare: you (and your partner, if any) must be working — generally at least 16 hours/week and earning at least the National Minimum/Living Wage (or equivalent if self-employed).

   • For two-year-old funding via support schemes: eligibility depends on receiving certain benefits or income thresholds. 

   • Universal 3- and 4-year-old funding is automatically available — no special eligibility (beyond age) needed. 

2. Create an account / apply online

   • Use the official national service (via the government website where the funded-childcare application is hosted) to apply for free childcare if you’re working. 

   • For Tax-Free Childcare, you also apply online to set up a “childcare account.” 

   • If using the local council’s two-year-old funded childcare (for eligible families), you may need to apply via the local council’s portal (for example via the “Lincolnshire Parent Portal”) to get your code. 

3. Get a funding code

   • If eligible, you receive an “eligibility code” (usually an 11-digit code for working-parent funding/TFC). 

   • Provide that code to the nursery so we can register the funded hours for your child.

4. Provide proof and sign necessary forms

   • We will require proof of the child’s date of birth and ask you to sign a parent declaration form to confirm your child’s eligibility for funded childcare. 

   • Our extra charges are for hot lunches and Forest school session. You may also be charged extra for outings which are all optional. 

5. Re-confirm eligibility periodically

   • For working-parent entitlements or Tax-Free Childcare: you must reconfirm your eligibility (working status, income, etc.) every three months. If you don’t reconfirm, funding may stop (or revert to a universal entitlement if eligible).

6. Check with a childcare provider & local council directory

   • Funding only works with approved childcare providers. Use the council’s “Family Services Directory” to find providers in your area. 

   • If you are unsure what you or your child qualifies for, the council offers support , you can also contact the nursery via email or phone for advice.