Fees and Entitlements...
Times...We work from 8.30 am until 5.30 pm. We can be a little flexible with our start and finish times but we will need to discuss this with you on an individual basis, as any altering of our times will depend on the children that we care for and their routines.
We have children after school from St. Stephens, South Godstone, who join their siblings. |
Open for business...We are open term times, and follow the dates of the local Surrey primary school, but in addition we are open for the whole of July, and the whole of September.
We add the term dates on our newsletters so that you can organise in advance. We work 4 days a week and close on Wednesday. We are closed for August. If we can offer extra days in this period we will let you know, there is no obligation to use them. |
Cost...Our prices are as follows:
We charge £7.30per hour. The full day rate of £65.70. Our flat rates include all expenses, trips, consumables like paper, paint, clay etc, and food, 3 meals, 2 snacks and drinks over the day, plus any fruit. We recommend using Choices as a Gov supported payment scheme, see below for how this supports parents. Please Note We can use 'free childcare' entitlements (9m-5) with parents voluntarily paying additional charges for food, consumables and expenses, trips etc in order to meet the total cost of the care. This is for 38 weeks of the year. Parents are invoiced in advance, monthly/weekly. The prices are reviewed annually. |
Late Payment for Invoices
We do understand that times are very hard for working families, and that there seems to be no end to the pressure, and the challenges we all face.
We send invoices out at the end of the previous month. We always give a ‘please pay by’ date and work with our families by giving over 10 days to pay, and sending reminders that the due date is approaching.
Late payments unfortunately make it very hard for us to cover costs. Our Late Payment Fee is an additional £10 per day per child for days unpaid, added to the next invoice.
We also understand that the Choices payment facility does let people down at times. Particularly as parents need to revisit the site and renew their declaration regularly.
Payments can take a few days to clear via Choices. We check regularly, and communicate with parents, as there have been problems in the past using the site.
We support families suffering financial hardship, by putting them in touch with the many support services who can help.
The Family Information Service website for Surrey is very helpful. - https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/children/support-and-advice/families
Please keep a dialogue going with us when invoices are sent, so that we know if you are having difficulty paying.
We send invoices out at the end of the previous month. We always give a ‘please pay by’ date and work with our families by giving over 10 days to pay, and sending reminders that the due date is approaching.
Late payments unfortunately make it very hard for us to cover costs. Our Late Payment Fee is an additional £10 per day per child for days unpaid, added to the next invoice.
We also understand that the Choices payment facility does let people down at times. Particularly as parents need to revisit the site and renew their declaration regularly.
Payments can take a few days to clear via Choices. We check regularly, and communicate with parents, as there have been problems in the past using the site.
We support families suffering financial hardship, by putting them in touch with the many support services who can help.
The Family Information Service website for Surrey is very helpful. - https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/children/support-and-advice/families
Please keep a dialogue going with us when invoices are sent, so that we know if you are having difficulty paying.
What is Tax-Free Childcare?
Tax-Free childcare is a government scheme to support working parents with childcare costs. If eligible, you can set up an online childcare account in which you can pay your childcare provider directly. For every £8 you pay in, the government will pay in an extra £2. You can get up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay the following:
Am I eligible for Tax-Free Childcare/30 hours free childcare?
You will be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare if the following;
You can still apply for Tax-Free childcare and 30 hours free childcare if you're
How do i apply for Tax-Free Childcare/30 hours free Childcare?
You can apply foe Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours via Childcare Choice link: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
You, and your partner if you have one, will need your:
In most cases, you'll be told straight away if your application is successful. In some cases, HMRC may need to do some additional checks to confirm whether you're eligible, so it's important to apply in good time. If you're found not to be eligible we will tell you way.
Tax-Free childcare is a government scheme to support working parents with childcare costs. If eligible, you can set up an online childcare account in which you can pay your childcare provider directly. For every £8 you pay in, the government will pay in an extra £2. You can get up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay the following:
- Registered Childminders, nurseries and nannies
- Registered after-school clubs and pay schemes
- Home care workers working for a registered home care agency.
Am I eligible for Tax-Free Childcare/30 hours free childcare?
You will be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare if the following;
- You child is under 12 years old, or you child is disabled and under 17 years old for Tax-Free Childcare.
- You may be able to claim 30 hours if your child is 3 or 4 and not taking up a state funded reception place. (30 hours is available in England only.)
- The child you're applying for usually lives with you- you don't have to be their parent.
- You live and work in the UK, unless you're a Crown Servant or member of the HM Armed Forces posted overseas.
- You, and any partner, are working, and each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage and for 16 hours a week - in 2017/18 this is £120 if you're over 25 but less than £100,000 a year each.
- If you're under 25 or an apprentice, you should expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours, at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage which applies to you.
You can still apply for Tax-Free childcare and 30 hours free childcare if you're
- On paid sick leave.
- On paid ordinary or additional maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or getting Maternity Allowance, for another child.
- On paid shared parental leave.
- On paid annual leave.
How do i apply for Tax-Free Childcare/30 hours free Childcare?
You can apply foe Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours via Childcare Choice link: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
You, and your partner if you have one, will need your:
- National Insurance Number(s)
- Details of one or more of the following - Your UK passport, Tax Credits, P60 or a Recent Payslip.
In most cases, you'll be told straight away if your application is successful. In some cases, HMRC may need to do some additional checks to confirm whether you're eligible, so it's important to apply in good time. If you're found not to be eligible we will tell you way.
Free Early Educational for Two Year Old's (FEET) offers eligible families up to 15 hours of free early education and childcare a week for 38 weeks a year. You can find out if your child can get FEET by checking the financial and automatically funded criteria below.
Financial Criteria
If your family receives one of the following benefits then your child may be eligible to claim FEET. Once your child has been agreed for FEET they will continue to be funded even if your family does not meet the criteria at a later date. The list of the Financial Criteria are as following:
Automatically Funded Criteria
If a child is in one of the groups listed below they will automatically be eligible to claim FEET.
When can my Child get FEET place?
You can apply FEET the term your child turns two but you won't receive the free hours until the following term.
Financial Criteria
If your family receives one of the following benefits then your child may be eligible to claim FEET. Once your child has been agreed for FEET they will continue to be funded even if your family does not meet the criteria at a later date. The list of the Financial Criteria are as following:
- Income Support
- Income based Job-seeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support through Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit and have an annual income under £16,190 before tax.
- Working Tax Credit and have an annual income under £16,190 before tax.
- Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.
Automatically Funded Criteria
If a child is in one of the groups listed below they will automatically be eligible to claim FEET.
- Child looked after by Surrey County Council
- Child who has been adopted or has left care through either a special guardianship or child arrangements order.
- Child with a statement of special educational needs (SSEN) or and Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
- Child getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
When can my Child get FEET place?
You can apply FEET the term your child turns two but you won't receive the free hours until the following term.
When Can my child use the free hours?
Children are entitled to maximum of 570 hours per year. These will usually be offered as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks a year. However, the free hours may only be available within set times and sessions so you will need to speak to the childcare provider to see if the hours they offer suit your needs.
However, you won't be able to:
However, once your child starts at a childcare provider they will have to continue claiming either term time or stretched hours until the funded period after their next birthday to ensure they do not exceed the maximum number of hours.
How do I apply?
You do not have to live in Surrey to apply but you will need to take your free hours at a childcare provider in Surrey. If the childcare you use is in a London borough or neighbouring council you will need to contact that area's Family Information Service to apply for the funding.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are using a Surrey childcare provider you can apply for FEET by completing the Surrey FEET Application Form https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/20747/FEET_application_form.pdf sending it to the address given on the form. If you do not have access to a printer you can request a copy of the form through our online enquiry form. https://online.surreycc.gov.uk/esuite/esuite.nsf/openonlineformopenagent&fcunid=AA1C1B420E3A09768025750E00423136 (Please put FEET application form in the What is your enquiry? box).
Applications should only be made one term before your child is eligible for funding. When the Finance and Practice team receive your application they will check your eligibility and then write or email you to let you know if you qualify.
Any applications received before one term in advance of funding will be held on file and you will only hear from the Finance and Practice team at the beginning of the term your child turns two.
Once your eligibility has been confirmed you can continue to receive the funding even if your circumstances change and you no longer meet the qualifying criteria.
I have already been approved for FEET but have lost my confirmation letter?
If you've received a letter confirming you are eligible for FEET your details will also have been added to Surrey's Free Early Education Portal. Your chosen childcare provider can use this portal to check that you qualify for FEET without needing to see a copy of your letter. You just need to agree to the search permission on the Free Early Education Registration form and they will be able to find your FEET ID number by using details like your child's name or date of birth.
How can I find a childcare provider offering FEET?
You can find details of childcare providers who offer FEET in Surrey on our Childcare Finder. Just enter your location or postcode and scroll down to select 'Yes' to 'Registered to provide Free Early Education for Two Year Old's on the right hand side.
These will include:
Can I move my free Hours to a new Childcare Provider once a new term has started?
You can only move funding for the free hours to a new childcare provide if:
Children are entitled to maximum of 570 hours per year. These will usually be offered as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks a year. However, the free hours may only be available within set times and sessions so you will need to speak to the childcare provider to see if the hours they offer suit your needs.
However, you won't be able to:
- Have any time before 6am or after 8pm
- Have a session longer than 15 hours a week
- Claim more than 15 hours a week
- Claim more than 570 hours per year
- Use the funding at more than two sites in one day
However, once your child starts at a childcare provider they will have to continue claiming either term time or stretched hours until the funded period after their next birthday to ensure they do not exceed the maximum number of hours.
How do I apply?
You do not have to live in Surrey to apply but you will need to take your free hours at a childcare provider in Surrey. If the childcare you use is in a London borough or neighbouring council you will need to contact that area's Family Information Service to apply for the funding.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are using a Surrey childcare provider you can apply for FEET by completing the Surrey FEET Application Form https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/20747/FEET_application_form.pdf sending it to the address given on the form. If you do not have access to a printer you can request a copy of the form through our online enquiry form. https://online.surreycc.gov.uk/esuite/esuite.nsf/openonlineformopenagent&fcunid=AA1C1B420E3A09768025750E00423136 (Please put FEET application form in the What is your enquiry? box).
Applications should only be made one term before your child is eligible for funding. When the Finance and Practice team receive your application they will check your eligibility and then write or email you to let you know if you qualify.
Any applications received before one term in advance of funding will be held on file and you will only hear from the Finance and Practice team at the beginning of the term your child turns two.
Once your eligibility has been confirmed you can continue to receive the funding even if your circumstances change and you no longer meet the qualifying criteria.
I have already been approved for FEET but have lost my confirmation letter?
If you've received a letter confirming you are eligible for FEET your details will also have been added to Surrey's Free Early Education Portal. Your chosen childcare provider can use this portal to check that you qualify for FEET without needing to see a copy of your letter. You just need to agree to the search permission on the Free Early Education Registration form and they will be able to find your FEET ID number by using details like your child's name or date of birth.
How can I find a childcare provider offering FEET?
You can find details of childcare providers who offer FEET in Surrey on our Childcare Finder. Just enter your location or postcode and scroll down to select 'Yes' to 'Registered to provide Free Early Education for Two Year Old's on the right hand side.
These will include:
- Pre school playgroups
- Day nurseries
- Nursery units of independent schools
- LEA maintained nursery schools and classes
- Childminders
Can I move my free Hours to a new Childcare Provider once a new term has started?
You can only move funding for the free hours to a new childcare provide if:
- You move house and it's now too far to travel to your current childcare provider
- You change jobs and the hours your childcare provider offers no longer meet your childcare needs.
- Your have stated on either your registration form or the Declaration of attendance form, that your child will be leaving during the term and you specify the last day that you wish the childcare provider to claim the free hours for you.
- Your childcare provider gets an inadequate outcome in their latest Ofsted inspection.
- Your current childcare provider has closed or has been suspended by Ofsted.
In England all three and four year old's are entitled to up to 15 hours of free early education and childcare a week for up to 38 weeks a year. This is to give children the opportunity to take part in planned learning activities, and help prepare them for school through the early learning goals set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is a universal offer and is available to all children regardless of their family circumstances.
Since September 2017 the government have increased the number of funded hours for 3 and 4 year old's from 15 to 30 a week. However, this will only be made available to families where both parents are working (or the sole parent is working in a lone parent family) and each parent earns, on average, a weekly minimum equivalent to 16 hours at National Minimum wage (NMW) or National Living wage (NLW), and less than £100,000 per year. You can find further information about the eligibility criteria on our 30 hours funded childcare for working parents web page.
We can use 'free childcare' entitlements (3-4) with parents voluntarily paying additional charges for food, consumables and expenses, trips etc in order to meet the total cost of the care.
When will my child be eligible to receive free early education for 3 and 4 year old's?
Children become eligible to receive this from the start of the term following their third birthday.
Since September 2017 the government have increased the number of funded hours for 3 and 4 year old's from 15 to 30 a week. However, this will only be made available to families where both parents are working (or the sole parent is working in a lone parent family) and each parent earns, on average, a weekly minimum equivalent to 16 hours at National Minimum wage (NMW) or National Living wage (NLW), and less than £100,000 per year. You can find further information about the eligibility criteria on our 30 hours funded childcare for working parents web page.
We can use 'free childcare' entitlements (3-4) with parents voluntarily paying additional charges for food, consumables and expenses, trips etc in order to meet the total cost of the care.
When will my child be eligible to receive free early education for 3 and 4 year old's?
Children become eligible to receive this from the start of the term following their third birthday.
Your child can continue to receive free early education until they either start in a reception class at a local authority maintained school or reach compulsory school age, which is the school term after their fifth birthday.
Children who start at a non-maintained (independent) school are able to continue to claim the funding until they reach statutory school age, which is the term after their fifth birthday.
When can my child use the free early education hours?
Children are entitled to a maximum of 570 hours per year. These will usually be offered as 15 hours each week for 38 weeks a year. However, the free early education hours may only be available within set times and sessions so you will need to speak to the childcare provider to see if the hours they offer suit your needs.
If your childcare provider is open Monday to Friday term time only the maximum number of days they can claim each term is:
However, once your child starts at a childcare provider they will have to continue claiming either term time or stretched hours until the funded period after their next birthday to ensure they do not exceed the maximum of hours.
How can I claim free early education?
You will not be able to claim directly. Childcare providers registered on The Surrey Directory of Early Years Providers, who have agreed to follow the Local Code of Practice, will be able to claim it on your behalf. These include pre-school playgroups, day nurseries, nursery units of independent schools and childminders.
Alternatively you can claim free early education through a maintained nursery school or class attached to a Local Education Authority (LEA) school. If they offer less than 15 hours you may be able to claim the balance with another childcare provider.
Will the childcare provider ask me to sign any forms?
The first term that a childcare provider claims on your behalf you will be asked to fill in a Registration form. They will check your child's birth certificate or passport as proof of identity and eligibility.
They will also ask you to complete a Declaration of attendance form at the beginning of every funded period to record how many free early education hours they are claiming for your child. If you want to increase or decrease the number of hours your child attends at a later date you will need to fill in a Change of hours form.
You should read the Parent or legal guardian declaration on these forms carefully before signing as they form part of your legal contract with the childcare provider.
You may also be asked to provide some information to see if your family meet the criteria for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP). This scheme provides additional government funding for childcare providers to improve the education they provide for eligible 3 and 4 year old's receiving free early education.
If your child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance you may also be asked to complete a Disability Access Fund form (Word) so your childcare provider can claim funding to help support your child at their setting.
Can I move my funding to a new childcare provider once the term has started?
You can only move the funding for the free early education hours to a new childcare provider if:
Will claiming free early education affect my tax credits or benefits?
Claiming Free early education for 3 and 4 year olds does not affect benefits, but if you are using the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit you can only claim for any care over and above the 15 hours. If you were using the childcare element before claiming Free early education and you do not change your hours you may need to contact HMRC so they can adjust their payments to you. They can be contacted on 0345 300 3900.
We have just moved to England and my child is not a British citizen, will they be entitled to claim free early education?
Yes, a child moving to England from another country is entitled to the 15 hours of universal free early education on the same basis as any other child, regardless of whether they have British citizenship or you have been told you have no recourse to public funds.
Children who start at a non-maintained (independent) school are able to continue to claim the funding until they reach statutory school age, which is the term after their fifth birthday.
When can my child use the free early education hours?
Children are entitled to a maximum of 570 hours per year. These will usually be offered as 15 hours each week for 38 weeks a year. However, the free early education hours may only be available within set times and sessions so you will need to speak to the childcare provider to see if the hours they offer suit your needs.
If your childcare provider is open Monday to Friday term time only the maximum number of days they can claim each term is:
- Spring 2018 - 55 days
- Summer 2018 - 65 days
- have any time before 6am or after 8pm
- have a session longer than 10 hours
- claim more than 15 hours a week
- claim more than 570 hours per year
- use the funding at more than two sites in one day
However, once your child starts at a childcare provider they will have to continue claiming either term time or stretched hours until the funded period after their next birthday to ensure they do not exceed the maximum of hours.
How can I claim free early education?
You will not be able to claim directly. Childcare providers registered on The Surrey Directory of Early Years Providers, who have agreed to follow the Local Code of Practice, will be able to claim it on your behalf. These include pre-school playgroups, day nurseries, nursery units of independent schools and childminders.
Alternatively you can claim free early education through a maintained nursery school or class attached to a Local Education Authority (LEA) school. If they offer less than 15 hours you may be able to claim the balance with another childcare provider.
Will the childcare provider ask me to sign any forms?
The first term that a childcare provider claims on your behalf you will be asked to fill in a Registration form. They will check your child's birth certificate or passport as proof of identity and eligibility.
They will also ask you to complete a Declaration of attendance form at the beginning of every funded period to record how many free early education hours they are claiming for your child. If you want to increase or decrease the number of hours your child attends at a later date you will need to fill in a Change of hours form.
You should read the Parent or legal guardian declaration on these forms carefully before signing as they form part of your legal contract with the childcare provider.
You may also be asked to provide some information to see if your family meet the criteria for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP). This scheme provides additional government funding for childcare providers to improve the education they provide for eligible 3 and 4 year old's receiving free early education.
If your child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance you may also be asked to complete a Disability Access Fund form (Word) so your childcare provider can claim funding to help support your child at their setting.
Can I move my funding to a new childcare provider once the term has started?
You can only move the funding for the free early education hours to a new childcare provider if:
- you move house and it's now too far to travel to your current childcare provider
- you change jobs and the hours your childcare provider offers no longer meet your childcare needs
- you have stated on either your registration form or the Declaration of attendance form, that your child will be leaving during the term and you specify the last day that you wish the childcare provider to claim the free hours for you
- your childcare provider gets an inadequate outcome in their latest Ofsted inspection
- your current childcare provider has closed or has been suspended by Ofsted.
Will claiming free early education affect my tax credits or benefits?
Claiming Free early education for 3 and 4 year olds does not affect benefits, but if you are using the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit you can only claim for any care over and above the 15 hours. If you were using the childcare element before claiming Free early education and you do not change your hours you may need to contact HMRC so they can adjust their payments to you. They can be contacted on 0345 300 3900.
We have just moved to England and my child is not a British citizen, will they be entitled to claim free early education?
Yes, a child moving to England from another country is entitled to the 15 hours of universal free early education on the same basis as any other child, regardless of whether they have British citizenship or you have been told you have no recourse to public funds.
All three and four year old's living in England are entitled to 570 hours of free early education and childcare a year. This is usually offered as 15 hours a week for up to 38 weeks a year and is a universal entitlement. It can be claimed through an Ofsted registered childcare provider the term after your child's third birthday.
However, since September 2017 working families who meet the eligibility criteria can also claim an additional 15 hours of funded childcare a week. This means that eligible children will be able to receive up to 1140 hours of funded childcare a year. This change was introduced as part of the Childcare Act 2016.
Who will be eligible to receive the extended entitlement?
The extra funded hours will be made available to families where both parents (or the sole parent in a lone parent family):
You can check your eligibility for the 30 hours through the Childcare Choices website or by using the Childcare Calculator. These will also show if you can get any additional government help with childcare costs.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the additional hours you should also qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, which can be used to help pay for any additional childcare costs. You can apply for this and the 30 hours at the same time through the digital childcare service.
Do I need to be working 16 hours a week to qualify?
The eligibility checker has been designed to accommodate parents with fluctuating incomes, such as seasonal workers, those on zero hours and the self-employed. So you do not need to actually work 16 hours every week but your earnings over the next 3 months must be equivalent to the amount you would earn if you worked 16 hours a week at either the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW).
This currently equates to £120 a week (or £6,000 a year) for each parent over 25 years old or £112.80 a week (or £5,800 a year) for each parent between 21 and 24 years old. However, newly self-employed parents who are still in their 'start-up period' will not be required to demonstrate that they meet the income criteria for 12 months.
If I am eligible when can I apply?
If your child will be 3 or over by the 31 March 2018 you can apply now through the Childcare Choices website which will direct you to the digital childcare service. If you don't already have one you will need to create a Government Gateway account at the start of your application process. The website will then guide you through setting up your own Childcare Service account.
If you're unable to apply online or have any problems with the application process you can contact the Childcare Service Customer Interaction Centre on 0300 123 4097 for support. If you disagree with the eligibility outcome you will be able to use the HMRC's review and appeals process.
Once your eligibility is confirmed you will be given an 11 digit 'eligibility code'. You can find this in the 30 hours funded childcare section of your new childcare service account or in your 'secure messages'. It will usually start with 500 but some temporary codes may begin with 11. If you have a problem finding your code you may find our step by step guide to finding your 30 hours eligibility code (PDF) useful.
You will need to take your eligibility code, National Insurance number and child's date of birth to your chosen childcare provider. They will ask you to complete and sign a 30 Hours Funded Childcare Eligibility Form (PDF) to give them consent to check and confirm your eligibility through Surrey's Free Early Education Portal.
You will need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months to continue claiming the extra hours. You should receive a prompt from the HMRC to remind you to do this. If you completed your original application over the phone you will need to contact the Customer Interaction Centre to reconfirm.
You do not need to apply through the childcare service if you only want to use the universal 15 hours of Free early education and childcare for 3 and 4 year old's. or want to apply for Free childcare for 2 year old's (FEET).
What happens if I no longer meet the eligibility criteria?
If your family no longer meets the criteria, Surrey's Finance and Practice team will inform your childcare provider and you will stop being eligible to claim the extra hours. However, there will be a grace period until the start of the next funded period to give you the opportunity to regain employment. If your circumstances change during the grace period you can reapply again and continue to receive the extra hours
You will still be able to receive the universal 15 hours of Free early education and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds even if you are no longer eligible for the extended entitlement.
If I am eligible when can my child start to receive the extended entitlement?
If your child is eligible the earliest they will be able to receive the funding is the term after they turn three.
However, since September 2017 working families who meet the eligibility criteria can also claim an additional 15 hours of funded childcare a week. This means that eligible children will be able to receive up to 1140 hours of funded childcare a year. This change was introduced as part of the Childcare Act 2016.
Who will be eligible to receive the extended entitlement?
The extra funded hours will be made available to families where both parents (or the sole parent in a lone parent family):
- Are working and earn on average a weekly minimum amount equivalent to working 16 hours at either National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW)
- Have an income of less than £100,000 each per year
- live in England (parents who are non-EEA nationals must have recourse to public funds to qualify)
- Are taking paid time off work, such as maternity leave, paternity leave or sick leave
- Are temporarily away from England for a period of up to 6 months, such as on military duty
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit or long-term Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- National Insurance credits because of incapacity or limited capability for work
- You've been assessed as having limited capability for work for Universal Credit purposes
You can check your eligibility for the 30 hours through the Childcare Choices website or by using the Childcare Calculator. These will also show if you can get any additional government help with childcare costs.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the additional hours you should also qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, which can be used to help pay for any additional childcare costs. You can apply for this and the 30 hours at the same time through the digital childcare service.
Do I need to be working 16 hours a week to qualify?
The eligibility checker has been designed to accommodate parents with fluctuating incomes, such as seasonal workers, those on zero hours and the self-employed. So you do not need to actually work 16 hours every week but your earnings over the next 3 months must be equivalent to the amount you would earn if you worked 16 hours a week at either the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW).
This currently equates to £120 a week (or £6,000 a year) for each parent over 25 years old or £112.80 a week (or £5,800 a year) for each parent between 21 and 24 years old. However, newly self-employed parents who are still in their 'start-up period' will not be required to demonstrate that they meet the income criteria for 12 months.
If I am eligible when can I apply?
If your child will be 3 or over by the 31 March 2018 you can apply now through the Childcare Choices website which will direct you to the digital childcare service. If you don't already have one you will need to create a Government Gateway account at the start of your application process. The website will then guide you through setting up your own Childcare Service account.
If you're unable to apply online or have any problems with the application process you can contact the Childcare Service Customer Interaction Centre on 0300 123 4097 for support. If you disagree with the eligibility outcome you will be able to use the HMRC's review and appeals process.
Once your eligibility is confirmed you will be given an 11 digit 'eligibility code'. You can find this in the 30 hours funded childcare section of your new childcare service account or in your 'secure messages'. It will usually start with 500 but some temporary codes may begin with 11. If you have a problem finding your code you may find our step by step guide to finding your 30 hours eligibility code (PDF) useful.
You will need to take your eligibility code, National Insurance number and child's date of birth to your chosen childcare provider. They will ask you to complete and sign a 30 Hours Funded Childcare Eligibility Form (PDF) to give them consent to check and confirm your eligibility through Surrey's Free Early Education Portal.
You will need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months to continue claiming the extra hours. You should receive a prompt from the HMRC to remind you to do this. If you completed your original application over the phone you will need to contact the Customer Interaction Centre to reconfirm.
You do not need to apply through the childcare service if you only want to use the universal 15 hours of Free early education and childcare for 3 and 4 year old's. or want to apply for Free childcare for 2 year old's (FEET).
What happens if I no longer meet the eligibility criteria?
If your family no longer meets the criteria, Surrey's Finance and Practice team will inform your childcare provider and you will stop being eligible to claim the extra hours. However, there will be a grace period until the start of the next funded period to give you the opportunity to regain employment. If your circumstances change during the grace period you can reapply again and continue to receive the extra hours
You will still be able to receive the universal 15 hours of Free early education and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds even if you are no longer eligible for the extended entitlement.
If I am eligible when can my child start to receive the extended entitlement?
If your child is eligible the earliest they will be able to receive the funding is the term after they turn three.
Provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria children can receive the additional hours until they either start in a reception class at a local authority maintained school or reach compulsory school age (which is the school term after their fifth birthday).
When can my child use the extended entitlement hours?
Childcare providers can set the times and sessions they offer the funded hours so you will need to speak to them to see if the hours they are offering suit your needs. However, you won't be able to:
You may be able to stretch the funding across a full year if your childcare provider offers this but the number of hours per week would be reduced. For example, 1140 hours per annum is 30 hours per week for 38 weeks but if it was stretched over 50 weeks would be 22.8 hours per week.
How can I find a childcare provider offering the extended entitlement?
You can find details of Ofsted registered childcare providers who are planning to offer the extra hours in our Childcare Finder. Just search for childcare in your local area and then filter by 'Registered to provide up to 30 hours Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds'.
If your chosen childcare provider is not on the list it may be worth speaking to them to see if they are considering offering the extra hours as not all childcare providers have notified us yet of their decision.
Can I use the extended entitlement with more than one childcare provider?
Yes. However, you must not exceed 30 funded hours a week or use it at more than two sites a day.
Do I have to use the full 30 hours?
No, you can use anything from 16 to 30 hours you do not have to use the full 30 hours.
When can my child use the extended entitlement hours?
Childcare providers can set the times and sessions they offer the funded hours so you will need to speak to them to see if the hours they are offering suit your needs. However, you won't be able to:
- have any time before 6am or after 8pm
- have a session longer than 10 hours
- claim more than 30 hours a week
- claim more than 1140 hours per year
- use the funding at more than two sites in one day
You may be able to stretch the funding across a full year if your childcare provider offers this but the number of hours per week would be reduced. For example, 1140 hours per annum is 30 hours per week for 38 weeks but if it was stretched over 50 weeks would be 22.8 hours per week.
How can I find a childcare provider offering the extended entitlement?
You can find details of Ofsted registered childcare providers who are planning to offer the extra hours in our Childcare Finder. Just search for childcare in your local area and then filter by 'Registered to provide up to 30 hours Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds'.
If your chosen childcare provider is not on the list it may be worth speaking to them to see if they are considering offering the extra hours as not all childcare providers have notified us yet of their decision.
Can I use the extended entitlement with more than one childcare provider?
Yes. However, you must not exceed 30 funded hours a week or use it at more than two sites a day.
Do I have to use the full 30 hours?
No, you can use anything from 16 to 30 hours you do not have to use the full 30 hours.