Watcombe Childrens Centre Nursery
FUNDING & FINANCE
Funded Childcare
‘Working Families’ 15 or 30 Hour Funding
We offer 15-hour and 30-hour funded places. The Government calculates the funding based on 38 weeks per year, but most families choose to spread the funding through the year.
Currently, from the term following their third birthday all children are entitled to a funded nursery education place. Every eligible 3 and 4 year old is entitled to up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. There is an additional 15 hours available to working parents.
More details can be found at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/how-to-apply-for-30-hours-childcare/.
The funding works out to be –
15 hours – 3 sessions Term-Time or 2 sessions All Year
30 hours - 6 sessions Term-Time or 3 sessions All Year
(a full day is 2 sessions)
All funded sessions have a ‘Sustainability Charge’ which will be invoiced every month. We keep this charge as low as possible and it is reviewed twice a year.
Changes to Funded Childcare from April 2024
On 15th March 2023, the Government announced plans to increase access to funded childcare hours to include younger children. The phased introduction of this plan begins in April 2024 through to September 2025.
From April 2024, children aged 2 receive 15 hours of funded childcare (this funding starts the term after your child turns 2).
From September 2024, children aged 9 months have access to 15 hours of funded childcare (this funding starts the term after your child turns 9 months).
By September 2025, all eligible children aged from 9 months to school age to receive 30 hours of funded childcare (this funding starts the term after your child turns 9 months).
More details can be found at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Supported 15 hours Funding for 2 year olds
For families in England, receiving some additional forms of government support.
We are able to offer some Two-Year-Old Funded spaces where families are on some government support.
If you are on benefits, then please visit the Torbay Early Years Website at https://www.torbay.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-years/parents/funding-childcare/2-year-olds/
You will then receive a URC (Unique reference code) from Torbay Council, of which you need to give to us.
As soon as we receive your URC, your registration form and your childs birth certificate, we can try and book in some sessions for your child.
We only have a limited number of spaces available, so it will be on a first come first served basis.
*Please note that we do not charge a registration fee or take a deposit if you are only having the free 15 hours. If you require any extra sessions, which are paid for, then a deposit will be required.
Education for 3 Year Olds
Please Note:
When your child reaches the age of 3, a space will be provided in the Over 3’s Unit (if space is available), unless you live within the local catchment area and your details will be passed on to Watcombe Primary School, who will contact you regarding your child moving over to the schools Foundation Unit. If you do not wish for your child to go to the Foundation Unit in the school, then please let us know.
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Tax-Free Childcare
You can receive up to £2,000 per child per year - that's up to £500 every three months. If you have a disabled child, you can receive up to £4,000 per child - that's up to £1,000 every three months.
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Am I eligible?
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You, and any partner, must be over 16 and each expect to earn (on average) at least £139 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage).
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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.
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You can't get Tax-Free Childcare if either you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 or more.
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How can I use it?
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You can use Tax-Free Childcare all year round to spend on regulated childcare, such as:
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Childminders, nurseries and nannies
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Before and after-school clubs and holiday clubs
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For example, if your childcare costs are £750 per month, you would pay £600 into your childcare account and the government would pay in £150. This would be an annual saving of £1,800 per child.
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Please view the step by step guide on how to use Tax-Free Childcare.
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You can use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as (where available):
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You can't use it with:
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