Are There Options for Childcare Funding?

Choosing a private nursery like Ducklings Nursery for your little one is an investment in their future. But let’s face it – it can be a significant financial commitment.

The good news is several funding options are available that can help make private nursery care more affordable. Let’s break it down.

Before we explore the different funding options, it’s important to understand why private nurseries often come with a higher price tag. At Ducklings Nursery, for instance, we invest in:

• Highly qualified and experienced staff
• A low staff-to-child ratio for personalised attention
• Specially developed curriculum for early education
• Well-equipped facilities and resources
• Nutritious meals and snacks

These factors contribute to providing a high-quality early education experience, which naturally affects the cost. However, many parents find that the benefits of private nursery care make it a worthwhile investment in their child’s future.

Are There Options for Childcare Funding?

The good news is there are several funding options available that can help make private nursery care more accessible. Let’s explore these options:

Tax-free childcare scheme

The tax-free childcare scheme is a government initiative designed to help working parents with childcare costs. Here’s how it works:

• For every £8 you pay into a special childcare account, the government adds an extra £2.
• You can receive up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children).
• The scheme is available for children up to the age of 11 (or 16 if disabled).

To be eligible, you (and your partner, if you have one) must be in work, on sick or annual leave or on parental leave. There are some earning requirements as well, so it’s worth checking the government website for full details.

15-hour free childcare

All three and four year olds in England are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 28 weeks of the year. This applies to all types of childcare providers, including private nurseries like Ducklings Nursery. Some two year olds may also be eligible if certain criteria are met.

30 hours free childcare

Working parents of three and four year-olds in England may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week, for 38 weeks of the year. To qualify:

• Both parents must be working (or the sole parent in a single-parent family)
• Each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum wage or living wage
• Neither parent should have an income of more than £100,000 per year

Childcare vouchers

While this scheme is now closed to new applicants, if you were already using childcare vouchers before October 2018, you can continue to do so. These vouchers allow you to pay for childcare from your pre-tax salary, which can lead to significant savings.

Universal Credit

If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs. The amount you can claim depends on your income and individual circumstances.

How we help at Ducklings Nursery

• We’ll give you clear, straightforward information about funding options.
• Our staff can offer advice based on your specific circumstances.
• We can guide you through funding applications.
• We offer flexible attendance options to help you make the most of your funding.
• We’ll keep you updated about any changes to funding schemes.

Making it work for your family

While private nurseries might seem pricey at first glance, these funding options can make a big difference. Many parents find that with the right combination of funding, quality private nursery care becomes much more affordable.

And remember, the benefits of a good early education program can be huge for your child’s development. At Ducklings Nursery, we focus on helping each child learn and grow in their own way. It’s an investment in your child’s future that can really pay off.

Exploring your childcare funding options

If you’re considering Ducklings Nursery for your little one, get in touch with us. We can talk you through our fees, explain how these funding options might work for you, and answer any questions you have.

Every family’s situation is different, and there might be other local funding options available too. By reaching out, we can give you the most up-to-date and relevant information for your needs.

To learn more about our nursery, our approach, and to discuss funding options in detail, don’t hesitate to contact us.