Government-Funded Childcare and Entitlements
At HETTY Preschool, we offer government-funded early education and childcare places for eligible families. Funding gives children valuable opportunities to play, learn, develop confidence and prepare for school while helping families with childcare costs.
Universal funding for three- and four-year-olds
All children in England are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded early education each week for 38 weeks of the year, beginning the term after their third birthday.
Parents do not need to apply for an eligibility code for these universal hours. We will ask you to provide proof of your child’s date of birth and complete a parental declaration form.
Funding for working families
Eligible working families can receive up to 30 hours of government-funded childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year, from the term after their child turns nine months old until they start school.
Eligibility depends on factors including employment, income, your child’s age and immigration status. Parents must apply online and provide HETTY with their eligibility code, National Insurance number and child’s date of birth.
Eligibility must be reconfirmed through your childcare account every three months. We recommend checking your reconfirmation date regularly, as an expired code could affect your funded place.
Check your eligibility and apply for funded childcare
Funding for two-year-olds receiving additional support
Some two-year-olds are entitled to 15 funded hours each week for 38 weeks of the year if their family receives certain benefits or additional support. A child may also qualify if they:
- Receive Disability Living Allowance
- Have an Education, Health and Care Plan
- Are looked after by the local authority
- Have left care through adoption, a special guardianship order or a child arrangements order
This funding begins the term after the child’s second birthday.
Check eligibility through Cheshire West and Chester Council
Using funded hours at HETTY
Funded hours are subject to availability and must be agreed with HETTY in advance. Government funding covers the eligible early education and childcare hours. It does not automatically cover:
- Additional hours outside the funded entitlement
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies and other consumable items
- Optional trips, activities or additional services
Parents will be informed clearly about any additional charges. Where applicable, reasonable alternatives can be discussed. Funded places are not dependent on parents purchasing optional extras.
Please speak to a member of our team about availability, session arrangements and how funded hours can be used at HETTY.
Parents can also use the government’s childcare support calculator or visit Best Start in Life for information about funded childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and other financial support.
https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/print