Government-Funded Childcare Hours –
What You Need to Know
From September 2025, the UK government is expanding childcare support even further. Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to school age will be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time.
This expansion is part of the government's ongoing commitment to making childcare more accessible and affordable for working families.
Did you know your child may be entitled to 15 or 30 free childcare hours each week? Amazing, right?
But here’s something many parents don't realise:
These funded hours cover care and education – but not meals, nappies, or extracurricular activities.
This page will explain:
· What’s included in the government-funded hours.
· What extras you can choose.
· How to personalise your child’s Nursery experience.
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
What’s Included in the ‘Free’ Childcare?
Term Time Only.
A caring and safe learning environment.
Play based education led by qualified staff.
Funding does not cover:
Meals and snacks.
Our additional enrichment activities.
Stretched Funding – All Year Round
You can spread your funded hours over 51 weeks instead of 38 weeks.
22 hours a week for 51 weeks.
More flexibility.
Continuous care for smoother routines.
Fewer holiday childcare worries.
Get Your FREE Funding Guide
Funded Early Learning is available at Swineford Nursery & Preschool!
We strive to be a large part of the community we are in and provide outstanding value for the excellent childcare and education we provide.
If you would like to know more about our funding options please click the link below.
What Are We Offering in Our Additional Enrichment Activities:
Our additional enhanced provision.
Additional resources.
Enhanced staff training and development.
Cooking activities including cakes, playdough.
Stay and play sessions.
Christmas Concert.
Graduation.
Promoting school readiness.
Sing and sign.
Famly app for communication and child’s development.
Your Options - Choose What Works For You!
Package 1
Term time only.
Funded only hours.
No snacks.
You provide everything your child needs.
Package 2
All inclusive.
Healthy snacks.
Additional enrichment activities.
In house visits.
Next Steps:
Choose your package.
Complete your funding form and contract.
Set up payment (if applicable).
Swineford Nursery & Preschool
Nursery Bath Road, Bristol
BS30 6LNMap
