Funding

Tiny Bubbles Nursery is an approved childcare provider, allowing you to obtain funded childcare sessions for your child so long as you meet the criteria.

Funded childcare hours can be used across school holidays as well as term-time. You can also combine the usage over more than one childcare provider.

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 15 hours of government funded childcare, with some having access to 30 hours depending on whether certain criteria is met.

2-year-olds are also eligible for 15 hours funded childcare for working parents or those receiving certain benefits, but the 30 hours will not be available until September 2025. You can check the current criteria here.

Also from September 2025, all working parents of children under five can access 30 hours of funded childcare.

Consumable charges are added onto days that use funding so the session will cost £6.50, more information on this can be found in our prices section.

30 Hours Eligibility

You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

• in work – or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave
• each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week

This earnings limit doesn’t apply if you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago.

You’re not eligible if:

• your child doesn’t usually live with you
• the child is your foster child
• either you or your partner has a taxable income over £100,000
• you’re from outside the EAA and your UK residence card says you can’t access public funds

If You Can’t Work

You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.

Applying for Funding

You can apply for 30 free hours through the gov.uk website. If you believe that you fit the criteria above you can begin your application here.