Understanding Childcare Funding

What Parents Need to Know About Free Hours vs Private Hours

As parents, navigating the ‘childcare landscape’ can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of funding and the different types of hours available for your little ones. With the introduction of government-funded hours, it is important to clarify what these hours mean for your child’s early years education and how we, at Saffrons Park Nursery, strive to deliver not just quality care, but an enriching experience that goes beyond what funding can provide.

What Are 'Free' Hours?

The government provides funding for early years education to support families and ensure that all children have access to high-quality learning experiences. This funding is often referred to as "free hours."

1. For Children Under 3

Children under three years old can access their funding for a maximum of 15 hours per week, 38 weeks of the year. This works out between 9 and 11 hours per week, over the 51 weeks that we are open. This will be increasing from September 2025 to 30 hours a week, 38 weeks of the year (up to 22 hours a week, over the 51 weeks that we are open). If your child is under 3 years, you can access your free hours between the hours of 8am-4pm. This allows parents to choose sessions that fit their schedule within these hours. You are then able to use our ‘private hours’ by booking our tea session between 4-6pm to enable your child to attend for the full day.

Please note that to receive this funding, you need to meet the eligibility set out by the government. To find out more click on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible

2. For Children Aged 3 and Over

All 3-year-olds have access to 15 hours ‘universal funding,’ 38 weeks of the year (up to 11 hours per week, all year round). Some families maybe eligible for a further 15 ‘extended hours,’ otherwise known as the ’30 hours funding.’  The 30 hours a week, is only over 38 weeks of the year, up to 22 hours per week across the 51 weeks that we are open for.

You can currently access your ‘free’ hours between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Our ‘Private hours’ can then be used before 9am and/ or after 3pm, to enable your child to attend for the full day.

The Difference Between Free Hours and Private Hours

While the government funding covers basic early years education within these designated hours, it is vital to understand that these free hours are designed to provide fundamental learning experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). However, at Saffrons Park Nursery, we believe in offering more than just the basics.

Free Hours:

These funded hours typically cover essential activities, basic care, and a core early years curriculum. It is our goal to ensure children receive a solid educational foundation during these hours.

Private Hours:

Any time beyond the funded hours, or sessions that occur outside the government-supported framework, are categorised as private hours. For instance, if you require childcare starting at 7:30 AM or extending beyond 4 PM for children under 3 or beyond 3 PM for children aged 3 and over, these will fall under private hours.

 Why Choose Additional Private Hours?

Opting for private hours in addition to your ‘free hours’ can greatly enhance your child's experience at our setting. Here is why they can be beneficial:

Flexibility:

Parents may find it necessary to have childcare that accommodates different work schedules. Private hours offer the flexibility to suit your family’s needs, ensuring your child can enjoy more time in a stimulating environment.

Quality of Care:

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality care and education. Private hours help us maintain lower ratios, keeps our Family groups smaller, invest in our team, and allows us to provide our unique curriculum, ensuring that every child receives individual attention and support.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right childcare setting is an important decision for your family, and understanding the distinction between free hours and private hours is a crucial part of that process. At Saffrons Park Nursery, we are committed to providing an enriching, nurturing, and high-quality educational experience that goes beyond government funding. We invite you to explore the possibilities of our extended hours, as we work together to give your child the best start in their early years.

For further questions about our funding structure or to discuss what hours might work best for your family, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are here to support you every step of the way!