Swineford Nursery & Preschool

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0117 9325811

Visit Our Website

0117 9325811

As of April 2025, the UK government has implemented significant expansions to its childcare funding initiatives to better support working families.

Below is an updated overview of the current offerings (based on 2025 updates):

Funded Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds

Previously, 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time were available to families meeting specific criteria, such as receiving certain benefits.

This support has been extended to eligible working parents of 2-year-olds, who can now access up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week.

This initiative aims to assist more families in balancing work and childcare responsibilities.

Funded Early Learning for 3 and 4-Year-Olds

All 3 and 4-year-olds in England continue to be entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week, totaling 570 hours per year.

Additionally, eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, amounting to 1,140 hours annually.

This expanded support enables parents to work more hours while ensuring their children receive quality early education.

Stretch Funding = Year-Round Support!

You can spread your funded hours over 51 weeks instead of 38. Perfect for working parents who need care during holidays!

Example:
- Term-Time Only: 30 hours/week for 38 weeks

- Stretched: ~22 hours/week for 51 weeks

Benefits:

More flexibility

Continuous care for smoother routines
Fewer holiday childcare worries

Growing Support for Childcare Needs

From September 2025 onwards, the government will further expand childcare support:

Eligible working parents of children aged from 9 months up to school age will be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time.

These enhancements reflect the government's commitment to making childcare more accessible and affordable for working families across the UK.