Funded Childcare at Hungry Caterpillars
Two Year Old Funding
Two year old funded places are available up to 570 hours per annum. To check if you are eligible visit here
Three & Four Year Old Funding
Every 3 & 4 year old is eligible for government funding up to 570 hours per annum (15 hours – Universal Offer). The funding starts from the term after the child turns 3. To access the funding you will need to fill out and sign a Declaration Form, which the nursery manager will give you.
In addition up to 1140 hours of government funding is available to some eligible working parents of 3 & 4 year olds (30 hours Extended Offer). To find out whether or not you are eligible and what help you can get towards your go to the government website: Childcare Choices. You will also find useful information regarding current and upcoming changes to funding.
Am I eligible for 30 hours funding?
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- You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £125 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage).
- If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you’re unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.
- You can’t get 30 hours free childcare if either you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 or more.
When can my child start?
Your child can start in their childcare place the term after they turn 3 years old and have received a valid 30 hours code, whichever is later. Term start dates are 1st September, 1stJanuary and 1st April.
To keep your 30 hours free childcare place you need to check your details are up to date every 3 months.
Do I have to pay for any extras?
The funding is in place so we can provide high-quality early years education and childcare. It does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips, French lessons). These will need to be provided by you, the parent or purchased from the nursery.
How do I apply?
For 2 Year Old Funding and the 30 Hours Funding you will first need to check if you are eligible and gain access to an eligibility code. To do this you will need to go onto Childcare Choices or the childcare calculator at Childcare Choice’s Calculator
Once approved you will receive an 11 digit code. This code will be your National Insurance number and includes the child’s date of birth. You will need to hand this into the nursery manager when you apply for a place. If you are offered a funded place you will need to sign our Terms & Conditions which the Nursery Manager will go through with you.
Our Funded Sessions
Our Managers will let you know which sessions we have available, either full days or half days, for you to choose from. Take a look at our sessions and Terms & Conditions below:
Do we offer term time or stretched funding?
Yes we do offer stretch funding over the full year, although not all of our nurseries provide term time only funding, you would need to confirm this with the Manager.
What happens if I am no longer ineligible?
If you find that either parent is no longer ineligible you will not lose your place immediately as there is a national grace period enabling parents to retain the place for a set period after then become ineligible.
