Sunflower’s Nursery Early Years Entitlement
How to apply for funding
Please visit Best Start in Life to find out if your child is eligible for early years entitlement funding.
Also see Early Learning for Two's which provides information about the 2-year-old Early Learning Funding (ELF).
9-month-old to 4-year old funding
Children of working families can access up to 30 hours a week funding from September 2025.
All funding codes that are eligible can be accessed the term AFTER the child turns the eligible age.
Funding can be accessed either term time only (30 hours per week, across 38 weeks of the year) or stretched (22.5 hours per week, across 50.6 weeks of the year).
Early Years Funding is intended to cover the delivery of childcare only. It does not cover the cost of meals and snacks, non-food consumables, or additional hours.
Meals and snacks are priced at £11.00 for a full day (8am – 6pm), and £5.50 for a half day (8am – 1pm or 1pm – 6pm). This includes breakfast, morning snack, 2 course lunch, afternoon snack, and a 2 course tea.
Children accessing the 2-year-old ELF receive meals and snacks at no charge.
| When your child turns 9 months old | When you can get your hours from | Deadline for applying |
|---|---|---|
| Between 1 September and 31 December | 1 January | 31 December |
| Between 1 January and 31 March | 1 April | 31 March |
| Between 1 April and 31 August | 1 September | 31 August |
Universal Funding
All 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of funding starting the term after they turn 3.
All 3 and 4 year olds who live in England are entitled to this offer irrespective of income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances.
Tax-free childcare
This funding is for eligible working families, every £8.00 you as parents pay into your account the government will add an extra £2.00 up to £2,000 per child per year.
Standard Early Years Sessions
| Session | Times | 0-3 Year Old | 3-4 Year Old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | 7.30 am – 8.00 am | £6.60 | £6.15 |
| Morning | 8.00 am – 1.00 pm | £38.50 | £37.50 |
| Afternoon | 1.00 pm – 6.00 pm | £38.50 | £37.50 |
| Full Day | 8.00 am – 6.00 pm | £70.00 | £68.00 |
| Full Week | 8.00 am – 6.00 pm Mon - Fri | 15% discount | 15% discount |
