3 - 4 Year Olds - Early Years Entitlement

All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to 15 hours of free Early Years Entitlement (EYE) childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, regardless of family income or working status.

At Fledglings, we will apply for this funding on your behalf. To enable us to do so, we will need to see a copy of your child’s birth certificate and ask you to complete and sign a funding declaration form. Please speak to a member of the Fledglings team for further information.

Eligible working parents of 3 and 4 year olds can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week (maximum 10 hours per day). To qualify, each parent must earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage (or be self-employed), and earn less than £100,000 per year.

If you are eligible, you will need to apply online (Apply Here) and provide Fledglings with your 30-hour code and National Insurance number. Parents are responsible for reconfirming their eligibility every three months. If a code expires, funded hours may be charged.

Please use the following website to work out when it is best for you to apply for funding. When should I apply for funding?

Funding for 2 Year Olds

Some 2 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare if families meet certain criteria, such as receiving qualifying benefits. This funding is available for 38 weeks of the year and can be used in the same way as funding for 3 and 4 year olds.

In addition, eligible working parents of 2 year olds can now access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week under the expanded Early Years Entitlement. Eligibility criteria are the same as for 30-hour funding for 3 and 4 year olds.

Parents must apply online (Apply Here) and provide their funding code to Fledglings. Eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months.

Important Information

Funding is provided for 38 weeks per year - please note, we are open for 39 weeks!

Additional hours and optional extras may be charged

Parents are responsible for applying for and reconfirming eligibility for working-parent entitlements

At Fledglings, we are pleased to accept funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, subject to availability.

If you would like further advice or support with applying for funding, please speak to Rebecca or a member of the Fledglings Team, who will be happy to help.

Funding Terms & When to Apply

Spring Term: 1st January - 31st March

Summer Term: 1st April - 31st August

Autumn Term: 1st September - 31st December

You can use your child's hours in two different settings but it is important that we are made aware of this so that we can ensure both settings are claiming the correct hours.

Tax Free Childcare, Tax Credits and other Childcare Choices

There are a number of new childcare payment options for parents. If you are working, you may be eligible for tax-free childcare, 30 hours of funding or tax credits towards the cost of your childcare. The governments' Childcare Choices gives a clear description of the options with tools for application:-  Childcare Choices

You can find out about what childcare options are available locally and apply for funding on the Somerset.Gov Government Website - Tax-Free Childcare

Chargeable Extras

The 15 and 30 hours free childcare is not intended to cover the cost of chargeable extras. At Fledglings, we are transparent about any optional, chargeable extras, which may include gymnastics sessions, Forest School activities, nursery trips and hot dinners. 

These extras are entirely optional and are not a condition of your child's nursery place. Participation is always at the discretion of parents and carers and families are free to choose whether or not to take up these additional opportunities.

Further information, including costs and how to opt in, will be shared with parents and carers in advance where applicable.