Funded Childcare Hours Explained for Milton Keynes Families

Childcare is one of the biggest costs for young families, so it is worth understanding exactly what help is available. Government-funded childcare hours can make a real difference, whether your child attends a day nursery, a pre-school or a nursery within an independent school. This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply and how funded hours work in practice in Milton Keynes.

What Funded Childcare Is Available in England?

There are three main types of funded early education and childcare in England.

15 hours for all three and four-year-olds

Every child in England is entitled to 15 hours a week of funded early education from the term after their third birthday until they start school. This applies to all families, whatever their income or work status.

15 hours for eligible two-year-olds

Some two-year-olds can get 15 funded hours a week, for example if their family receives certain benefits or the child has additional needs. Milton Keynes City Council can tell you whether your child qualifies.

Up to 30 hours for working parents

Under the scheme now called Free Childcare for Working Parents, eligible working families can claim up to 30 hours a week for children aged from nine months until they start school.

Who Is Eligible for 30 Hours of Funded Childcare?

To qualify for the working parents’ entitlement, generally:

• you, and your partner if you have one, must be working
• each of you must expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage over the next three months
• neither of you can have an adjusted net income of more than £100,000 a year

There are some exceptions, for example if one parent is on parental leave or receives certain benefits. The government’s Childcare Choices website has a calculator to check your eligibility.

How to Apply for Funded Hours

Apply online

Apply through the government’s childcare service online. If you are eligible, you will receive an 11-digit code to give to your childcare provider.

Apply in good time

Funded hours usually start in the term after your child reaches the eligible age. Apply in the term before you want the hours to start, as providers need a valid code before the new term begins.

Reconfirm every three months

You must reconfirm your details every three months to keep your code valid. Set a reminder, as missing the deadline can mean losing your place in the scheme.

How Funded Hours Work in Practice

38 weeks a year, or stretched

Funded hours are based on 38 weeks a year, in line with school terms. Some providers let you “stretch” them over more weeks at fewer hours per week.

What funded hours do not cover

Funding covers the hours of early education themselves. Providers may charge for extras such as meals, snacks, consumables, additional hours beyond your entitlement and optional activities. Always ask for a clear breakdown of what you will pay.

Using funded hours at an independent school nursery

Many independent school nurseries and pre-schools accept funded hours. In this case, the funding is deducted from the setting’s fees, and you pay the balance for any additional hours, meals and specialist activities. This can make an independent early years setting more affordable than parents expect.

Tips for Milton Keynes Parents

• Check eligibility early, especially if you are returning to work after parental leave
• Ask each nursery how it applies funded hours and what is included in its fees
• Compare total costs, not just hourly rates, as meals and wraparound care vary widely
• Keep your reconfirmation date in your diary

For more help comparing settings, read our guide to choosing the right nursery in Milton Keynes.

Funded Hours at Broughton Manor Prep

At Broughton Manor Preparatory School, eligible families can use government-funded hours for their child’s early education, subject to the scheme’s criteria. Funding does not cover meals, other consumables, additional non-funded hours or specialist activities.

Our fees include lunches, afternoon tea, specialist tuition and wraparound care until 5.45pm, which many working parents find makes planning the week much simpler. Our Registrar is happy to talk you through how funding would apply to your child. Read about starting nursery with a baby if your child is under two.

Frequently Asked Questions