Government Funding for 2, 3 and 4-Year-Olds

At Little Elms we do accept the government funding however this can only be used in the preschool sessions, so between the hours of 8:45 and 3:15. Any hours either side of this will be charged. Alongside the funded hours we do charge a voluntary snack fee of 0.75p per session.

Funding for 2-Year-Olds

Some 2-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week (over 38 weeks of the year).

Your child may be eligible if your family receives certain benefits or additional support, including Universal Credit (subject to income criteria), Income Support or other qualifying benefits. Children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, those receiving Disability Living Allowance, and children who are looked after or have left care under certain arrangements may also qualify.

Please click on the link below to see if you are eligible for 2 year funding.

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/childcare-information-and-support-for-parents-and-providers/guidance-for-parents-and-carers/funded-early-learning-for-2-year-olds

Once approved, you will receive an eligibility code which you will need to share with us.

Eligible working parents may also be entitled to up to 30 funded hours per week please see the link below to see if you are eligible

https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/15-and-30-hours-support/working-families/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23468622883&gbraid=0AAAAAowZrsnA4ReB4l2gXMpzgD6_X3z7x&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-8XXBhDaARIsADnEOrDTM9Rdp2Ms-BrorlkvI1t1M

Once approved, you will receive an eligibility code which you will need to share with us.

 

Funding for 3 and 4-Year-Olds

All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week, regardless of their parents' employment status or income.

Eligible working parents can receive an additional 15 hours, giving them up to 30 funded hours per week. See link below to see if you are eligible.

https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/15-and-30-hours-support/working-families/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23468622883&gbraid=0AAAAAowZrsnA4ReB4l2gXMpzgD6_X3z7x&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-8XXBhDaARIsADnEOrDTM9Rdp2Ms-BrorlkvI1t1M

Once approved, you will receive an eligibility code which you will need to share with us.

 

When Does Funding Start?

Funded hours begin from the term after your child's relevant birthday:

• If your child turns 2 or 3 between January and March, funding starts in April.
• If your child turns 2 or 3 between April and August, funding starts in September.
• If your child turns 2 or 3 between September and December, funding starts in January.

If you have a 30 hour code from 9 months then you will be able to use this for your child as soon as they turn 2.

 

Stretch funding

We do offer stretch funding at Little Elms which means you are able to stretch your funded hours over the holidays. We are open 50 weeks of the year 7:45 – 6:00 and just closed for 2 weeks at Christmas. Please speak to the management team if this is something you would be interested in. If you have no hours remaining you are still welcome to book your child in over the holidays you will just be charged for the hours they attend. You would be charged the normal session rate of £7.00 an hour.

Please Remember

- Additional hours outside your funded entitlement will be chargeable.
- We charge a voluntary snack fee of 0.75p per funded session.
- Working-parent eligibility codes must be reconfirmed every three months.

If you are unsure what funding your child may be entitled to, please speak to a member of the management team. We are always happy to help guide you through the process and answer any questions.
 

 

 

 

 

 

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