Childcare Funding Guide
NOTE: The government's Childcare Choices website has recently been changed to best-start-in-life website. This serves as a central hub for most applications, while Universal Credit claims go through the standard gov.uk portal. Both are designed to guide you through checking eligibility before you begin formal applications.
Updated: 22-OCT-25
Snowflakes Day Nursery accepts all major government funding schemes, allowing eligible families to access our proven educational approach with significant cost reductions.
When to start your application:
The best time is to start your funding applications at least one term before you need childcare. This timing allows for code processing, any appeals if applications are initially rejected, and gives you peace of mind that funding is secured before you start nursery.
Our Team Can Help Navigate Your Government Funding Options
Navigating multiple funding schemes can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to maximise savings while ensuring continuous coverage. Our admissions team provides personalised funding consultations where we review your family's specific circumstances, calculate potential savings from different combinations, and guide you through the application timeline to ensure you don't miss critical deadlines.
For assistance we have someone on our team who can give advice at any of our branches:
Lady Margaret Road Branch: 020 8571 6378
Grand Union Village Branch: 020 8845 8998
Comer Crescent Branch: 020 8571 6867
Norwood Green Branch: 020 8507 3222
Eligibility
(9 Months to School Age)
The government provides significant support for working parents up to 30 hours per week since September 2025. The great news is that the eligibility criteria are now the same for all children from 9 months up to school age.
Essential Criteria
To access funding, your family must meet three core requirements:
Work Requirement: Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) must earn, on average, the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage. If you're self-employed or have irregular income, the government looks at your average earnings over a three-month period.
Income Cap: Your 'adjusted net income' must be under £100,000 per year. This includes salary, bonuses, and investment income, but excludes pension contributions, which can be useful for tax planning.
Application Timing: You must apply for an eligibility code through the government's Childcare Choices website in the term before you need the care. Codes expire every three months and require regular renewal to keep your funding active.
Quick Eligibility Check
Am I eligible for funding?
Working parents (children 9 months - 5 years):
✅ Likely eligible for 30 hours free childcare worth up to £7,000 per year
✅ Additional 20% government contribution available through Tax-Free Childcare
✅ Requirements: Both parents work 16+ hours weekly and earn under £100,000 each
All parents (children 3-4 years):
✅ Automatically entitled to 15 hours free childcare per week
✅ Worth approximately £3,500 per year with no income requirements
✅ No application needed - we manage this upon enrolment
Universal Credit, Tax Credits, or Income Support:
✅ 15 hours free childcare if receiving Universal Credit, Tax Credits, or Income Support
✅ Worth approximately £3,500 per year
✅ Local council confirms eligibility - typically within one consultation
When can funding start?
Funding officially begins the term after you successfully apply. To secure your funding for...
The Autumn Term (Sept-Dec):
You must apply with Childcare Choices by August 31st.
The Spring Term (Jan-Mar):
You must apply with Childcare Choices by December 31st.
The Summer Term (Apr-Aug):
You must apply with Childcare Choices by March 31st.
Applying now in Summer? If you get your code today, you can start using your funded hours straight away for the rest of the summer term and, most importantly, you will have secured your funding for the main Autumn term starting in September.
*Late applications may be accommodated subject to availability
Do you have funded places available?
✅ We have dedicated funded places reserved at all four locations
✅ Current availability should be confirmed by calling one of our branches. Check our branches page to see which one is most convenient
What does funded care at snowflakes include?
✅ Qualified teaching staff and key person allocation
✅ Full educational programme and materials
✅ All meals and healthy snacks
✅ Parent communication app access
✅ No additional registration for families only using funded hours
About Tax-Free Childcare
How the Government Boost Works
Tax-Free Childcare operates like a government-matched savings account. For every £8 you deposit, the government automatically adds £2 - essentially giving you an immediate 20% return on your childcare spending.
How Much Can Be Contributed?
You can receive up to £2,000 per child annually (£4,000 for disabled children) in government contributions. However, there's a quarterly cap of £500 per child, so families with high childcare costs should deposit money throughout the year rather than in large lump sums.
Works Alongside Other Funding
Tax-Free Childcare works with your free hours entitlement. You can use your 30 free hours and still receive the 20% government top-up on any additional hours you pay for privately.
Important Limitation
The same £100,000 household income limit applies. Earn over this threshold and you lose access to this scheme entirely, making tax planning considerations even more valuable for high earners.
Universal Credit Childcare Support
Up to 85% Cost Coverage:
Universal Credit can cover up to 85% of your registered childcare costs, making it one of the most generous support schemes available. The key is understanding how the reimbursement process works and timing your payments effectively.
How the Process Works:
You pay your nursery fees upfront each month, then claim back up to 85% through your Universal Credit assessment. The reimbursement typically appears in your next Universal Credit payment, though you should keep detailed records of all childcare receipts.
Who Is Eligible?
You don't need to be unemployed to claim Universal Credit childcare support. Working families can qualify if their income falls below certain thresholds, and the scheme recognises that quality childcare enables parents to work more hours or seek better employment.
Combining with Other Support:
This scheme can work alongside some other funding types, though you can't combine it with Tax-Free Childcare. Our admissions team can help you calculate which combination provides the best financial outcome for your family's specific circumstances.
Recently Introduced Extended 15-Hour Entitlement
2-Year Olds
What it is:
Families receiving certain government benefits can access 15 hours of funded childcare for their 2-year-old.
How to get it:
Eligibility is based on your benefit status, not earnings. This includes families receiving Universal Credit with a household income under £15,400, or those receiving specific disability benefits. Your local council can help you apply.
3-4 Year Olds
What it is:
All children in England automatically receive 15 hours of free childcare per week per term after their third birthday, regardless of what their parents earn or do.
How to get it:
No application is needed. We handle this automatically when you provide your child's birth certificate.
Funded Places with Snowflakes
What's Included in Your Funded Hours:
✅ Qualified teaching staff and individual key person attention
✅ Complete educational program with all materials
✅ Nutritious meals and daily progress tracking
✅ Parent communication app access
Flexible Application: Use funded hours across any of our session times and combine different funding types as needed.
Ready to join Snowflakes?
✅ Tour our nursery and meet the team
✅ Calculate your funding at Snowflakes
✅ Get personal help with applications
✅ Reserve your funded place
We're here to help!
8 Higham Mews
NORTHOLT,
UB5 6FP
Phone:
02088458998
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY394004
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:
10 Sep 2009
100 Carlyle Avenue,
SOUTHALL,
UB1 2BL
Phone:
02085716378
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY393991
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:
02 Dec 2009
Comer Crescent,
SOUTHALL,
UB2 4XD
Phone:
02085716867
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY497465
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:
27 Sep 2016
St Mary's Church Hall,
Norwood Green Road,
SOUTHALL,
UB2 4LA
Phone:
02085073222
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY561899
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:
07 Aug 2018