Discover Your Funding Options
At Belsay Daycare, we understand that financing childcare can sometimes be a daunting task. That's why we've created this section to help you navigate the various funding opportunities available to you. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and transparent as possible. Whether you are seeking assistance for free nursery hours or looking into tax free support, we’ve got you covered.
Below, you will find detailed information about the types of funding available, the eligibility requirements for each, and the step-by-step application process. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, so you can feel confident and informed about your choices. Explore your options today and find the right fit for your family's needs.
Unlocking Funding Opportunities
At Belsay Daycare, we understand that securing funding is a critical step in ensuring the best childcare services for our community. We’ve curated a list to guide you through the funding process. Explore the options below to find the financial support that suits your needs.
Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds
Your child may be eligible for free childcare if you receive certain benefits. These include things like Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (provided your yearly household income is £15,400 or less after tax, and this doesn’t include benefits), and the guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
There are also a few other situations where your 2-year-old could qualify for free childcare. If they’re looked after by a local authority, have an education, health and care (EHC) plan, receive Disability Living Allowance, or have recently left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order, or a child arrangements order, they might just be eligible as well.
While the childcare can be free, you may need to cover some extra costs like meals, nappies, additional hours, or fun activities such as trips. It’s always a good idea to chat with us about what additional costs might come up. Enjoy exploring your options!
30 hours free childcare if you're working
Did you know that if you have little ones aged 2, 3, or even 4, you might be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare each week? If both you and your partner earn at least £139 a week, you could make the most of this fantastic offer for 38 weeks of the year. If either of you happens to earn over £100,000, then that won’t apply to you.
You can use these hours with one provider or even mix and match across multiple ones, starting from either January, April, or September.
This can even include breakfast clubs and after-school clubs, which is super handy! If you or your partner are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or if you're unable to work due to a disability or caring for someone, don’t worry—you could still qualify!
Just remember, it’s important to check your details every three months to keep those 30 hours rolling.
We want to make sure you and your little ones are all set for some exciting adventures!
Tax Free childcare for children 0-11
If you have children aged 0 to 11 (or up to 16 if they have a disability), there's some fantastic support available for you.
You could get up to £2,000 per child each year to help with childcare costs, and if your little one has a disability, that amount can double to £4,000.
This is available for parents and partners over 16 who earn at least £139 a week on average. It's a way to help with those nursery fees, and it covers things like breakfast clubs and after-school clubs too. For every £8 you pay into an online childcare account, the government adds an extra £2 — up to a total of £2,000 each year.
Just keep in mind, this only applies if you or your partner earn less than £100,000 individually.
And don’t worry if you’re on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or if you're unable to work due to a disability or caring responsibilities — you may still qualify for this support.
You can even use Tax-Free Childcare alongside the 30 hours of free childcare available.
Univeral Credit
Children aged 0 – 16
If you have children aged 0 to 16, you can claim up to 85% of eligible childcare costs. This is available if you and your partner are both working or are getting ready to start a job while receiving Universal Credit.
That means you could get support for costs related to things like registered childminders, nurseries, nannies, afterschool clubs, playschemes, schools, and home care workers from registered agencies.
What’s even better is that this support continues right up to the end of August after your child’s 16th birthday.
This particular childcare support isn’t available to families who are receiving Tax Credits or Tax-Free Childcare. To see if you qualify, it’s worth checking out a benefits calculator - it can really help you figure out what you might be entitled to. Also, remember that Universal Credit is phasing out a number of other benefits, including tax credits.
If you have questions or need a little extra guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
We're Here to Help You!
If you have any questions regarding funding or need assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Belsay Daycare. Our friendly team is dedicated to providing you with personalised support that’s tailored to meet your needs. We understand that each family's situation is unique, and we are committed to helping you navigate the options available to you. Whether it’s information on funding sources, assistance with paperwork, or just a friendly chat about your concerns, we’re here for you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and let’s work together to help your little ones thrive!
Growing Through Play. Learning Through Joy
Registered Charity Number: 1124855
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