Childcare funding and support available in the UK.

Funded Early Education Entitlement (FEEE)

Families of three- and four-year-olds are able to access 15 hours of funded entitlement. Children can access these hours from the term after your child turns three years.

Extended Funded Early Education Entitlement is for eligible working families from the term after a child turns 9 months until statutory school age. The number of FEEE hours that working families are eligible depends on the age of their child and their circumstances.

Currently, eligible working parents/carers can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, the term after their child turns 9-month-old.  At Noah’s Ark we take children from their second birthday.

Some families may be able to access the 2-year-old entitlement, this is for eligible families accessing financial government support. Apply here: https://www.essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/early-years-and-childcare/help-childcare-costs/funded-2/apply#

All Extended Funded Early Education Entitlement must be in place before your child starts.

At Noah’s Ark we run our sessions (term time only) Monday – Friday 9am until 12pm, and two afternoon sessions Tuesday and Thursday 12pm – 3pm.  Afternoon sessions are only available for children who are 3 years or over and attending the morning sessions.  If you are not entitled to the FEEE extended entitlement, these sessions are charged.

If you are entitled to 30 hours per week remaining hours can be used at another provider.

Private Fees:

Fees are charged per 3 hour session.

A review of our fees has recently taken place and from September 2022, fees will be charged at £24.00 per session.
If your child is not eligible for funding, you will be given an invoice half termly and payment will be due within 14 days.
If you do not pay your fees on time, you may be charged a late fee of £30.00.
Failure to pay your fees could result in your child losing their place.

Information

To find out everything you need to know, please visit the Family Information Service website https://www.essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/early-years-and-childcare/help-childcare-costs

Tax-Free Childcare

Working parents can get up to £2,000 government support per child per year towards their childcare costs. Further information about the scheme can be found in the Parents Guide to Tax-Free Childcare. If eligible you can apply for Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as funded childcare. For more information please visit: GOV.UK also has more information on Tax-Free Childcare, including how to apply.

Full details, including eligibility, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Universal Credit

This is currently replacing other benefits and tax credits including: Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, and Working Tax Credit.  

Full details, including eligibility, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

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