We understand that childcare funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just beginning your journey with a nursery. Below, you’ll find an overview of the different funding options that may be available to your family, depending on your individual circumstances. We encourage you to check your eligibility for any schemes that may apply to you. If you’re unsure or would like guidance, we’re always here to help — please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our office team is happy to support you in navigating the funding process every step of the way. 

What funding options are available to my child?  

There are 4 possible Early Years Education (EYE) funding avenues for children at St Ives Nursery: 

• 2 year old funding for working families – up to 30 hours known as ‘Expanded Funding’ 

• 2 year old funding for non-working families – up to 15 hours for parents who meet specific eligibility criteria, known as ‘Early Learning Funding’ 

• 3 & 4 year old funding – up to 15 hours known as ‘Universal Funding’ 

• 3 & 4 year old funding – up to 30 hours known as ‘Extended Funding’ 

Please note that each of the above funding options above have eligibility criteria which must be checked by parents. Childcare providers are unable to undertake these checks on your behalf. For further information on each, please read below.  

 

2-year-old funding – Expanded Funding  

Eligible working families with 2-year-old children will be entitled to up to 1140 hours of funded childcare per year (30 hours per week delivered over 38 weeks). This funding is available from the term after your child turns 2.  

To apply for this funding go to the Government’s online childcare service, Best Start in Life. 

If your child is eligible, you will be provided with a unique reference number. Please keep this reference number safe as you will also need to provide this on your EYE funding form, which will be provided to you by Hordle Explorers Nursery. 

When to apply for Expanded hours funding: 

You must apply for a code by the end of the month before a new term starts. For example, if the term starts on 1st September you must apply by 31st August. 

However, we would strongly urge you to apply in plenty of time before this date to ensure that your child will be funded in time. If we do not receive a completed funding form with the relevant eligibility code provided, we will have to assume your child is not funding and you will be invoiced in full for your child’s hours. 

 

2 year Funding – Early Learning Funding  

Some children may be eligible for 2 year funding from their 2nd birthday, under the Early Learning Funding for 2-year-olds criteria. To check your eligibility and make an application visit Dorset County Council website.  

If your child is eligible, you will be provided with a unique reference number. Please advise us of this reference number in writing to finance@stivesprimary.com and we will provide you with an EYE funding form for completion. 

For further information on disadvantaged funding, please contact a member of the nursery office team. 

 

 

3 and 4-Year-Old Funding - Universal Funding (15 hours) 

From the beginning of the school term following your child’s 3rd birthday, all children are entitled to 15 hours of free Early Years Education (EYE) funding, during school term time. This funding is offered automatically from the term after your child turns 3; you do not need to make an application for this. When your child is eligible, we will provide you with a funding form along with instructions on how to complete this.  

 

 

3 & 4 Year Old Funding - Extended Funding (30 hours) 

In addition to the Universal Funding, working parents may also be eligible to apply for 30 hours EYE Extended funding. 

You can apply for 30 hours funding from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old and it must be applied for before the funding period begins. Failure to do so will mean that you miss out on the opportunity for this additional funding and booked sessions in excess of 15 Universal hours, will be charged at our hourly invoiced rate. 

To check your eligibility for 30 hour funding please visit the website below: 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare 

 

When to apply for 30 hours funding: 

Once your application has been approved you will receive a code for 30 hours free childcare. Please keep this reference number safe as you will need to provide this to us on your EYE funding form. 

It is very important that you regularly check your child’s funding eligibility (it is recommended that this should be checked by parents every 3 months as a minimum). This is the parent’s responsibility and cannot be carried out by the nursery. 

 

What information will I need to provide to the nursery? 

All funded families must complete an EYE Funding Form when your child becomes eligible for any type of funding. This form will be provided to you, along with instructions on how to complete. Please ensure this completed form is returned to us by the deadline provided at the time to enable us to claim your funding within our allocated funding window. Failure to do so may mean that you are invoiced in full for your child’s hours. If your child’s hours change throughout the year, it is essential that your form is amended to ensure we remain compliant. If we request that you come into the school office to amend your form please do so at the earliest convenience so that we can make the correct funding claim on behalf of your child. 

Please get in touch if you need any additional support with completing the form.  

Any discrepancies between funding eligibility and actual hours attended will mean that families are invoiced for any variances at our standard invoiced rate. 

 

What other charges am I expected to pay?  

There are no ‘top up fees’.  

Hourly Rates 

All additional hours taken over and above your child’s funding entitlement are charged at our hourly invoiced rate, £8.00 for a 2 year old and £7.25 for 3 and 4 year olds as of September 2026. Hourly rates are reviewed annually and one term’s notice is provided to families.  

Invoices 

You will receive a termly invoice from St Ives Nursery and payment needs to be cleared by the end of the term. If payment is not received by the end of the term, the following term they will be reduced to funded hours only. Exact payment due dates are always included with your invoice. We would respectfully ask that parents make a note of these dates and ensure timely payments are arranged.  

We are Here to Help 

We fully appreciate that childcare funding can be a minefield for parents but hope this information has offered some clarification on some of the options that may be available to you.  

We are here to help and support families to make nursery fees manageable, so please do contact us if you have any questions at all relating to funding, fees and payment options.