There are four ways to get additional funding, each with slightly different rules:

For all types, you will need to complete the funding form above.

Universal 15 Hours:

• For 3 and 4 year olds
• 15 hours per term time week
• Available for all children from the term after their 3rd birthday
• Preschool will give you a form to complete

Working Parents

• For 2 year olds & 3&4 year olds
• 15 hours per term time week
• '30 hours' for 3 and 4 year olds
• Available for eligible children from the term after their 2nd birthday
• You must apply online to check eligibility
• You MUST reconfirm eligibility every 3 months to continue to get this funding
• You will need a Government Gateway account

Supported Families of 2 year olds

• Non Working Parents
• Available for some families who receive government support
• Available for 'Looked After' or adopted children
• You must apply via Hertfordshire County Council's Website

Term Dates for funding purposes

• Born in September, October, November, December - Get frunding from January
• Born in January, February, March - Get funding from April
• Born in April, May, June, July, August - Get funding from September

The funding we receive from the government is far less than we charge for our standard places. The funding only covers enough for minimum numbers of staff, and no other costs. Therefore we put some conditions on how funding can be used and what it covers:

• Funding can be used for Morning, Lunch, and Afternoon sessions. It does not cover Breakfast Clubs
• You do not have to use the full entitlement, e.g. you can use 6 of your 15 funded hours if you like.
• We claim the funding in the second week of term (not half term, see below). You cannot adjust your funded hours until the next term.
• You can split your funding between us and another setting or childminder.
• Funding only covers education and care.
• Any sessions not covered by funding are charged at our standard rates.
• Funding does not cover food, trips, or consumables such as craft supplies, or care items such as nappies, wipes etc
• We charge a fee to provide snack. If you prefer, you can provide your own healthy snack in a named container each session instead.
• We ask for a voluntary contribution per half term to help cover the cost of crafts supplies, playdough, cooking ingredients, etc
• Milk is provided by the government and continues to be free for funded children.