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Fees and Funding

We are currently updating our Fees Schedule to come into affect for April 2026, for information please contact the office on 01273 477777. 

Fees    

Our nursery fees are £10 per hour, reflecting our enhanced level of care and provision. This includes high staff-to-child ratios, daily outings and trips, hands-on activities including cooking and science experiments and tailored care that meets each child's needs. We are committed to providing exceptional quality, enriching experiences and a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. 

Early Years Funding: What it is and How to Claim it

A simple guide for parents

 

What is Early Years Funding?

Early Years Funding is government support that helps families access early education and childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years, depending on eligibility. The funding covers a set number of hours each week and is paid directly to your childcare provider.

According to government and local authority guidance, families may receive 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare, depending on their child’s age and family circumstances.

 

 What Your Child May Be Eligible For

1. Universal 15 Hours (All 3–4 Years Old)

  • All children aged 3 and 4 can access 15 hours of funded early education per week from the term after their third birthday.
  • This is available to every family, regardless of income.

2. 30 Hours for Working Families

  • Working parents may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
  • Each parent must work the equivalent of 16 hours per week at minimum wage and earn under £100,000 per year.
  • Funding begins the term after your child turns 9 months old (as part of the expanded offer) and continues until they start school.

3. 15 Hours for Families Receiving Additional Support (2-Year-Olds)

Your child may receive 15 funded hours if you receive certain benefits or if your child has additional needs or is looked after by the local authority.

4. Additional Support Funding

Some children may also qualify for:

  • Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) – extra funding to support learning and development
  • Disability Access Fund (DAF) – support for children receiving Disability Living Allowance

 

 When Can My Child Start?

Your child can access funded hours from the start of the school term after they reach the eligible age (e.g. January, April, or September).

 

 How to Claim Your Child’s Funded Hours

For 15 Hours (Universal or 2-Year-Old Funding)

  1. Speak directly to your childcare provider – they will guide you through the process and check eligibility where required.
  2. Provide any documents requested (e.g. proof of age or eligibility).

For 30 Hours (Working Parents)

  1. Apply online through the government’s Best Start in Life eligibility checker (previously Childcare Choices).
  2. If eligible, you will receive a 30 Hours Eligibility Code.
  3. Give this code to your childcare provider, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth.
  4. Reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months to keep receiving the funding.

 

 What the Funding Covers

The government funding covers early education hours only.
It does not include:

  • Meals
  • Snacks
  • Consumable resources
  • Extra activities or services

These optional extras may incur a charge, but funded hours can always be taken without additional services if you prefer.

 

 We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure which funding you qualify for or need help applying, please speak to us—we’re happy to guide you through each step.

 

Our Ethos

At Stepping Stones Nursery we nurture children with kindness, spark their curiosity, encourage adventure and celebrate what makes each child truly unique. At our nursery, every child is seen, heard and supported to grow with confidence, joy and a sense of wonder. 

Call Stepping Stones Nursery on  01273 477777  or email info@steppingstonesnurserylewes.co.uk

For more, please find our information pack.

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