Little Rainbow Nursery

Childcare Funding & Support for Families 🌟

We know navigating childcare funding can feel like a lot to take in! We are here to help you understand what you are entitled to and how to make the most of it at Little Rainbow Nursery.

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Working Parents Funding (9 Months to 4 Years)

Eligible working families in England can access up to 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

• 9 Months to 2 Years Old: Up to 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare.

• 3 and 4-Year-Olds: Up to 30 hours of funded childcare.

Are you eligible?

You will generally qualify for the working family funding if:

• Both parents work (or the sole parent in a lone-parent family).

• Each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage.

• Neither parent earns more than £100,000 per year.

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Wakefield Council Funding for 2-Year-Olds (Additional Support)

If you do not meet the working parent criteria, your child may still be eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week from the term after their 2nd birthday. This is an additional tier of support managed by Wakefield Council for families receiving extra government assistance.

Are you eligible?

Your 2-year-old will qualify for this council-funded care if you receive any of the following:

• Universal Credit (with a net household income of £15,400 or less per year).

• Income Support, Income-based JSA, or Income-related ESA.

• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) paid for the child.

• An Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan for the child.

• If your child is looked after by the local authority, or has left care under an adoption or special guardianship order.

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Universal 15 Hours (All 3 and 4-Year-Olds)

Don't forget, all children aged 3 and 4 automatically qualify for 15 hours of universal funded childcare per week. This is a right for every single child, regardless of your working status or household income.

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How Funding Works at Our Nursery

Our nursery operates on a term-time-only schedule (38 weeks per year). This means you can use your full allocation of 15 or 30 hours directly during school term dates, making it an excellent option for families who do not require holiday care.

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Important Deadlines to Remember

For the working parent funding, you must apply for your official 11-digit eligibility code the term before your funding is due to start:

• 🗓️ To start in September, apply by 31st August

• 🗓️ To start in January, apply by 31st December

• 🗓️ To start in April, apply by 31st March

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Ready to find out more?

• For Working Parent Funding: Check your eligibility and get your 11-digit code via the official GOV.UK Childcare Service portal.

• For Wakefield Council 2-Year-Old Funding: Learn more or check your eligibility letter status on the Wakefield Families Together Free Entitlement Page. If you need help checking your eligibility, you can call the Wakefield Families Information Service directly on 0800 587 8042 or email information@wakefield.gov.uk.

Once you have your code or your eligibility confirmation from the council, please get in touch with us! We will be happy to look at room availability for your required sessions.