Early Years Childcare Support Funding

Early Years Funding Childcare Support from the UK Government

Abbey Wood Grange is an approved childcare provider and is able to claim on your behalf for the Early Years entitlement funding currently available for all children over 9 months.

Government Funded 15 hours of free childcare per week for children over 3 years old

All children in England are eligible for 570 Government funded hours per year, this can be taken as 15 hours per week over 38 weeks or 11 hours per week over 51 weeks.

Government Funded 30 hours of free childcare per week for children over 3 years old

If eligible you can access 30 hours of Government funded hours per year, this can be taken as 30 hours per week over 38 weeks or 22 hours per week over 51 weeks.

To check your eligibility, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

You will get a childcare account if your application is successful. You can use it to get your code for 30 hours free childcare.

Government funded 15 hours of free childcare per week for children over 2 years old

If eligible you can access 15 hours of Government funded hours per year, this is usually taken as 15 hours over 38 weeks or 11 hours over 51 weeks.

Government funded 15 hours of free childcare per week for children over 9 months

If eligible you can access 15 hours of Government funded hours per year, this is usually taken as 11 hours per week over 51 weeks.

When can I access my Government funded hours.

Children can access their relevant Government funded hours the term after they turn 9 months.

Terms are January, April and September.

Please note that fees as stated in our current brochure are fully inclusive of all meals, snacks and extra curricular activities that we add regularly throughout the year at no extra cost to our parents.

The Government funding we receive is non inclusive of our meals, snacks and additional services and only cover the Early Years foundation stage provision and not the extra service we as a full day care setting choose to provide. We therefore make additional charges for these services as outlined in our fees and terms and conditions.

We offer a limited amount of Term time only spaces for children aged over 2 years.

How can I apply?

In order to apply for the free childcare, you will need your National Insurance number and a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you are self-employed. Alongside this, you will need the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) of any children you are applying for, and the date you started or are due to start work.

Once this has been completed, you can apply for a code, which is to be given to your childcare provider; the application process usually takes around 20 minutes, and it is possible to find out if you are eligible right away, though sometimes it can take up to 7 days. Your eligibility needs to be reconfirmed every 3 months; if you applied more than 3 months before the term starts, you will have to reconfirm your eligibility within your account in order to keep your code valid for use.

Further information and guidance can be found at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

To check our availability please call 0208 660 9040 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What Benefits Are There For Me and My child

Participating in the funding program offers a range of benefits for families and children, such as;

Early Learning Opportunities

During this funding program, children will have access to high-quality early education, fostering cognitive development, boosting language skills and creating a “ready for school” feeling.

Developing Social Skills

Interaction with other children in a childcare setting promotes social skills, teamwork and emotional resilience. These skills will be important as your child develops and matures, preparing them for more formal education in the years to come.

Parental Support

Due to the financial assistance with childcare costs for families, parents are enabled to work, pursue education or undertake training opportunities. The funded program means parents are able to save more for formal education costs in the future, such as equipment and so on.

Are You Looking for a Preschool or Nursery for Your Child?

Are you looking for a nursery or preschool near the following areas; Kenley, Sanderstead, Coulsdon, Warlingham, Riddlesdown, South Croydon, Whyteleafe, Purley? You can redeem your 2-year-old funding here; get in touch with us so we can discuss your requirements.

Our Latest Ofsted Review

Ofsted carried out a full inspection of the setting on Thursday 15th November 2022 and reported the following:

Overall effectiveness GOOD
The quality of education GOOD
Behaviour and attitudes GOOD
Personal development GOOD
Leadership and management GOOD

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

All children arrive happy and ready to start their day and have fun. They enjoy good relationships with warm, caring staff who are responsive to their individual needs. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement as they explore and try new ideas and skills in their play. They enjoy opportunities to explore large outdoor spaces where they gain confidence in their physical abilities.

Children play well together and are respectful. They show compassion and care for each other. For example, they get a cold compress for a friend who has a small bump. Mealtimes are social occasions. Children join in with conversations with their friends and adults as they enjoy their healthy meals and snacks.

Leaders and managers have worked hard to make improvements. They have worked with the team to create a light, bright and welcoming atmosphere and help children feel at home. The curriculum has clear aims for what leaders want children to learn, and staff plan well-thought-out activities to support children’s learning and development.

Parents speak of a close community at this nursery and how happy their children are. They find staff approachable and caring. Staff build strong relationships with parents and work closely with them to understand children’s needs. Parents appreciate the advice and support they receive.

Leaders and managers create a positive working environment. They are very hands-on in their role, and staff feel well supported and listened to by them.

Regular team meetings and supervision help the team reflect on practice and identify areas for improvement. Managers are receptive to change and are committed to the ongoing development of the provision.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Managers have introduced new risk assessments. Thorough safety checks are made every morning. Staff have a clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection, including whistle-blowing. They know how to report their concerns.

Managers ensure they keep their knowledge up to date with regular training and in-house conversations. There is a clear mobile phone policy in place. This is well understood by staff, and they know the procedure to follow if this is breached. A large majority of staff are paediatric first-aid trained. They have good knowledge of how to deal with any accidents, injuries or illnesses. Managers have robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that only suitable staff are employed.

Childfunding