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Stretched Funding Hours

Understanding the balancing act between work and family, we offer the option to ‘stretch’ your funded hours over up to 51 weeks instead of the standard 38 weeks. This means using fewer hours per week but over a longer period. Take a look at the example below.

15 Hours
Childcare Funding

For Working Families

Traditionally allocated over the 38 weeks of term time, you have the option to extend this schedule to cover a 51-week period. By doing so, the weekly hours adjust to approximately 11 hours.

This flexible approach ensures that your baby enjoys a consistent routine while you benefit from a childcare schedule that aligns with your family’s unique lifestyle and commitments.

Applying for Childcare Funding

Find out more: Childcare Choices

Childcare Funding FAQ

Am I eligible for 15 hours childcare funding for my baby?

Working parents with babies starting from 9 months old may be eligible for 15 hours of childcare funding. Parents must work at least 16 hours weekly at the national minimum wage and have an annual income not exceeding £100,000. Find more details via the Gov.UK website

When will my childcare funding start?

The date you start or return to work determines when your free childcare begins:

  • Returning 1 October to 31 January: Funding starts from the term on or after 1 January 2025
  • Returning 1 February to 30 April: Funding starts from the term on or after 1 April 2025.

How does the ‘stretching’ of funded hours work?

The ‘stretching’ option allows you to spread your funded hours over more weeks by using fewer hours each week, providing increased flexibility to match your family’s schedule.

How many funded hours per day can I use at Lakehouse

The daily use of funded hours at Lakehouse depends on the nursery’s availability and opening hours. The funding is allocated on a pro-rata basis across the year, rather than by specific days.

Can I roll over unused hours to the next term if I’m on holiday?

Unfortunately, hours are allocated on a pro-rata basis throughout the year, maintaining a consistent weekly routine regardless of holidays or sickness.

What should I do if I need extra hours on an ad hoc basis?

Please discuss your needs with the nursery manager as soon as possible. They will do their best to accommodate additional bookings, which will incur a non-funded charge.