Understanding Childcare Funding: What Parents Need to Know About FreeHours 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’s 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). At the

moment, 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

Why Choose Additional Private Hours

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!