Discover Funded Childcare Options
at The Orange Tree
Understanding childcare funding isn’t always easy but we’re here to help.
Below you’ll find clear information on funded childcare, fees and support available at The Orange Tree, along with guidance on how funding works for your family.
Our friendly nursery teams are always happy to talk you through funding and fees and help you find the best solution for your family.
Government Childcare Funding Explained
Government-funded childcare is available for eligible children aged 9 months to 4 years, alongside Tax-Free Childcare support.
These schemes form part of the Government’s Best Start in Life programme helping families access high-quality early years education while managing childcare costs.
Explore the options below to see what you may be eligible for.
Eligible working parents may be entitled to 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week, depending on their circumstances.
Funding is available for eligible working parents from the term after their child turns 9 months old and continues until they start school. Eligibility is managed through a Government Childcare Account and must be reconfirmed regularly.
How To Apply
Check your eligibility & apply via the Government Childcare Account
Eligible families can receive up to £2,000 per child per year towards childcare costs through a Government Childcare Account.
Set up an online childcare account at the government's Childcare Choices website.
Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months via an easy online process (reminders sent by text).
How To Apply
Some 2-year-olds are eligible for funded childcare based on family circumstances.
Eligibility is linked to factors such as household income and benefits.
How To Apply
You can apply at: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/15-and-30-hours-support/additional-support/eligibility/
Speak directly to your Nursery Manager and they can check if places are available and guide you through the next steps
All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week (for 38 weeks per year), regardless of family income or employment status.
This universal funding is available during term time and can be stretched across the year, subject to session availability at your chosen nursery.
How To Apply
Simply speak to your Nursery Manager to arrange your funded place and all relevant next steps
Looking for alternative funding routes?
Find information on Universal Credit childcare support, DAF, support for students and other government schemes.
View additional funding options 
Using Your Funding at The Orange Tree
To ensure high-quality care and meet EYFS staffing requirements, funded places are offered subject to availability and balanced across the nursery week.
We recommend children attend at least two sessions per week to support continuity, relationships and learning.
Our team will always talk you through the best attendance pattern for your child and family.
When Does Funding Start?
Funding begins the term after your child becomes eligible.
| Child becomes eligible between | Funding starts |
|---|---|
| January – March | April (Summer term) |
| April – August | September (Autumn term) |
| September – December | January (Spring term) |
Funded Session Options
There are no conditions of utilising the above funded places, however, we do ask parents to consider the following voluntary charges to support their child’s nursery experience and ensure the financial sustainability of the setting (please speak to us directly if your child may be eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium).
Where children attend for more than their funded sessions (wraparound bookings), any additional hours are charged at our prevailing session rates – please speak to our nursery team to get an up to date price list.
For both funded only and wraparound sessions we use the following additional services rates:
Voluntary Additional Services
| Additional Services | Under 2s | 2 Year + |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks prepared onsite daily (food, menu planning, kitchen maintenance, food preparation and storage costs) |
Breakfast – £0.80 Lunch & snacks – £2.40 Tea & PM snack – £1.60 |
Breakfast – £1.00 Lunch & snacks – £3.00 Tea & PM snack – £2.00 |
| Personal hygiene and care items provided (including nappies, wipes, Calpol, face wipes, tissues, sun cream, bibs, napkins, nappy creams) |
Business Day – £2.80 |
Business Day – £1.00 |
| Additional activities (sensory play, nursery pets, Chef clubs, woodland activities, yoga, messy play and seasonal events) |
Business Day – £2.40 |
Business Day – £3.00 |
| TOTAL SESSIONAL CHARGE | Business Day – £10.00 | Business Day – £10.00 |
When you register your child at The Orange Tree you will receive a confirmation of fee with a specific breakdown of your child’s sessions and any costs for additional services. You will also be enrolled on our Funding Loop system and asked to sign a parental declaration form, confirming your child’s booking and requested funded sessions – this information will be shared with the Local Authority for the purpose of administering your funding claim.
See Orange Tree Terms & Conditions For Early Education Funding
How to Apply for Funded Childcare
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Visit the government’s childcare eligibility checker to see what support your family may qualify for.
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2
Apply Online
If eligible, apply through the government childcare portal to receive your funding approval.
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3
Receive Your Code
You’ll be issued an eligibility code (this can take a few days). Keep this safe, as you’ll need it to secure your funded place.
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4
Share Your Code With Us
Provide your eligibility code to your chosen Orange Tree nursery. Our team will validate it and confirm your funded sessions.
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5
Reconfirm Every 3 Months
To continue receiving funding, remember to reconfirm your eligibility with the government each term.
Additional Help With Childcare Costs
Universal Credit for Childcare
Some families may be able to claim back up to 85% of childcare costs through Universal Credit (up to a monthly limit).
Payments are made through your Universal Credit account after you have paid your nursery fees, and this can be used alongside funded childcare hours.
Support for Students & Young Parents
Funding schemes such as Care to Learn may be available depending on your circumstances.
This support can help with childcare costs while you continue your education, making it easier to balance study and family life.
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
Additional funding is available to support eligible children's learning and development.
EYPP provides extra resources to enhance learning experiences and support children's progress throughout their early years.
Disability Access Funding (DAF)
Funding is available to support children with disabilities in early years settings.
DAF helps us make reasonable adjustments and provide inclusive, supportive environments for children receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Need Help or Have Questions?
Funding rules can change, and every family’s situation is different. Our nursery teams are here to help.