If you’re a working parent looking for information about free childcare or help with childcare costs, we can help explain. The government’s Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme can make nursery fees more affordable. Wellies Day Nursery is a fully registered provider, so your family can benefit from this scheme. We completely understand that the free childcare funding system can feel daunting, confusing, or even overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time applying. Please don’t worry.
We are always here to help explain the process, guide you through the steps, and support you with any questions you may have. Our team deals with funded hours regularly, and we’re more than happy to assist wherever we can.
We’ve put together this easy guide to help you understand what the scheme offers and how you can apply.
What Is the Free Childcare for Working Parents Scheme?
If you live in England and are working (or due to start a new job), you may be eligible for free childcare funding for your child aged 9 months to 4 years.
This scheme helps parents balance work and family life by giving access to funded childcare hours at registered settings like Wellies Day Nursery. It’s designed to reduce childcare costs and support your family’s routine.
How Many Free Childcare Hours Can You Get?
Many families can access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time. These funded hours can also be “stretched” across more weeks of the year if that works better for you.
There are also additional types of funded childcare for some families who receive certain benefits, so even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth checking.
This flexibility means you can arrange childcare in a way that suits your schedule, whether you need full days, or a mix of sessions at Wellies.
Who Is Eligible for Free Childcare?
You may qualify if:
You and your partner (if you have one) are working or soon to start work
You live in England
You have a National Insurance number
Your childcare provider is registered, Wellies Day Nursery is!
The funding applies only to registered childcare, not informal care such as grandparents.
If you’d like help checking your eligibility, just ask, we’re here to guide you.
How to Apply for Your Free Childcare Code
Applying for free childcare is quick and can be done entirely online:
Visit the government website and set up your childcare account
Complete the short application
If approved, you’ll receive an 11-digit childcare code
Share your code with Wellies Day Nursery so we can arrange your funded hours
Reconfirm your details every 3 months to keep your funding active
Once your code is in, we take care of the rest!
Why Wellies Day Nursery Is the Perfect Place to Use Your Funded Hours
At Wellies Day Nursery, we’re passionate about giving children a warm, nurturing environment to learn and grow. Choosing where your child spends their early years is a big decision, and we understand how important it is for parents to feel confident, supported, and reassured. At Wellies Day Nursery, we believe we offer an environment where children truly flourish, and where your free childcare funded hours can be used to their fullest benefit.
Using your free childcare hours with us means:
Experienced, caring staff
Fun, engaging activities every day
A safe, supportive setting
Strong communication with families
Flexible sessions to suit working parents
We want every family to feel confident and supported, This scheme can make childcare more affordable for many parents. Wellies Day Nursery is more than just childcare, we’re a community. Families often tell us they feel like part of the Wellies family, and many return with younger siblings after experiencing the quality of care we offer.
How Funded Hours Work at Wellies Day Nursery
Free childcare funding is designed to help reduce the cost of your childcare, and at Wellies Day Nursery funded hours are used towards the sessions and days your child attends.
Many families choose to book full days or regular weekly sessions, with their funded hours helping to significantly lower their overall fees. The funding does not have to be used on its own, it can be combined with additional paid hours to create a childcare pattern that truly works for your family.
This means:
Funded hours can be spread across your booked days and sessions
You’re not limited to attending only during funded hours
Families can book longer days, extra sessions, or year-round care, with funding applied to reduce costs
You can choose a routine that fits around work commitments, not the other way around
At Wellies, we offer flexible session options so parents can make the most of their funded entitlement while still accessing the full range of care, learning opportunities, meals, and activities we provide each day. We’re always happy to talk through examples and show how funded hours would be applied to chosen sessions, so you have a clear understanding of costs and options.
Ready to Apply for Free Childcare?
If you think you might be eligible, now is the perfect time to apply. Once you receive your code, bring it to us and we’ll help you secure your funded place at Wellies Day Nursery.
If you have any questions at all, whether about eligibility, the application process, or how funded hours work, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
For full details from the government website, you can visit: https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working
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