Can I Get Government Funding for a Private Nursery?

Government funding can be used at many private nurseries

One of the biggest misconceptions about childcare is that government-funded hours can only be used at council or state-run nurseries.

In fact, many independent and private nurseries, including The Mount Nursery, offer funded childcare places for eligible families. This means parents can often choose the nursery that's the best fit for their child while still benefiting from government support.

What childcare funding is available?

The amount of funded childcare depends on your child's age and your family's circumstances.

For many working families in England:

• Children from 9 months old until they start school may be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year.

• All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to at least 15 funded hours, with many families qualifying for the full 30-hour entitlement.

Some childcare providers also allow these funded hours to be "stretched" across more weeks of the year, rather than only being used during school term time. It's always worth asking your chosen nursery how they deliver their funded places.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is based on rules set by the Government and can change over time, but for the current working families scheme, the main criteria include:

• Your child must meet the relevant age requirements.

• You (and your partner, if you have one) usually need to be working, or about to start work.

• You must normally earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or National Living Wage.

• Neither parent can usually have an adjusted net income of more than £100,000 per year.

There are also separate funding arrangements for some two-year-olds receiving additional support and for families in particular circumstances. If you're unsure which scheme applies to you, it's worth checking your eligibility before making any decisions.

Applying is simpler than many parents expect

Most families apply online through the Government's childcare service. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you'll receive a code to share with your nursery before your child starts their funded place.

Because funding begins from specific points during the year, it's important to apply before the relevant deadline. Applying early gives you plenty of time to secure your preferred nursery and ensures everything is in place before your child's funded hours begin.

Choosing the right nursery still matters

Government funding makes childcare more affordable, but it's only one part of the decision. The nursery your child attends will influence their confidence, friendships, curiosity and early development during some of the most important years of their life.

As you compare nurseries, look beyond the funding available. Consider the relationships, the learning environment, the opportunities for exploration and discovery, and the people who will help your child grow every day.

How we can help

At The Mount Nursery, we're always happy to explain how funded childcare works and help families understand the options available to them. We know the system can feel confusing at first, so we'll guide you through what's available, answer your questions and help you understand how your funding can be used.

Most importantly, we'll help you focus on choosing the nursery that's right for your child, because that's the decision that will have the greatest impact on their early years. Please note: Childcare funding rules are set by the UK Government and may change over time. This guide reflects the current position, but we recommend checking the latest eligibility criteria before applying.