Fyfield, Ongar, Loughton, Highams Park & Coopersale Pre-Schools
Childcare Funding Explained
We believe understanding childcare funding should be simple. Whether your child is just starting their early years journey or getting ready for school, we're here to help you understand the funding and support available for your family.
Our Age Groups
We welcome children from:
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18 months at our Coopersale Preschool
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24 months at all our other Rainbow Preschools
Government Funded Childcare
Depending on your child's age and your family's circumstances, you may be entitled to government-funded childcare.
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Funding Options
1
Children aged 9 months to school age
Eligible working families may receive up to 30 funded hours from the term after their child turns 9 months.
2
Children aged 2 years
If you're not eligible for the working family offer, your 2-year-old may still qualify for 15 funded hours if your family meets certain eligibility criteria, such as receiving specific benefits.
3
Children aged 3 & 4 years
Every child aged 3 & 4 is entitled to 15 funded hours from the term after they turn 3 years old.
Eligible working families receive an additional 15 funded hours, giving up to 30 funded hours each week.​​​​
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Additional Hours
Your funded hours don't have to be the only childcare your child receives.
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If you need your child to attend for longer than your funded hours cover, you're welcome to book additional hours or sessions at our standard childcare rates for each setting.
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Many of our families combine funded childcare with additional sessions to create a schedule that works best for their family.
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Example:
If your child receives 15 funded hours each week but attends nursery for 25 hours, your funded hours will be applied first and you'll simply pay for the remaining 10 hours.
Tax-Free Childcare
You may also be able to save money through the Government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
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For every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the Government adds £2, helping towards your childcare costs.
If you're paying for additional childcare beyond your funded hours, Tax-Free Childcare can often be used to reduce those costs.
How Do I Apply?
The application process depends on the type of funding you're eligible for.
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Working Family Funding (9 months+, eligible 2-year-olds and the additional 15 hours for 3 & 4-year-olds)
Apply through the Government Childcare Service. If you're eligible, you'll receive an eligibility code, which you'll need to provide to us before your child's funded place can begin.
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Universal 15 Hours (All 3 & 4-Year-Olds)
No application is needed. Every child is entitled to these funded hours which starts from the term after your child turns 3 years old. We'll ask you to complete a simple parent declaration form when your child joins us.
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Funded 2-Year-Old Places (Eligible Families)
If you receive certain benefits or meet the Government's eligibility criteria, your child may qualify for 15 funded hours from the term after their second birthday.
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You can check your eligibility and apply through your local authority. If you're eligible, simply let us know and we'll help you complete the remaining paperwork.
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If you're unsure which funding you're entitled to, our friendly team will be happy to guide you through the process.
When Does Funding Start?
Government-funded childcare doesn't begin immediately. Once you've applied and secured your eligibility code, your funding will start from the beginning of the next school term.
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If you apply and secure your code between 1 January and 31 March, your funding will begin from the Summer Term (April).
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If you apply and secure your code between 1 April and 31 August, your funding will begin from the Autumn Term ( September).
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If you apply and secure your code between 1 September and 31 December, your funding will begin from the Spring Term (January).
Got questions?
Childcare funding can feel confusing, but we're here to make it as straightforward as possible.
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If you're unsure what funding you're entitled to or how it works, our friendly team will be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions.