🌟 Big Changes to Early Years Funding from September 2025: What It Means for You and Your Family

Exciting news is on the horizon for families with young children! There are several changes to Early Years Funding from September 2025.

Starting September 2025, the UK government is expanding its free childcare offer, making it easier than ever for working parents to access high-quality early years education. At Fun Box Day Nursery, we’re here to help you understand what’s changing, how to apply, and how your family can benefit from the new funding.

🧒 What’s Changing?

From 1st September 2025, eligible working parents will be able to access 30/22 hours of free childcare per week (for 38/50 weeks a year) for children aged from 9 months old up to school age.

This is part of a phased government rollout:

• From April 2024: 15 hours for eligible 2-year-olds

• From September 2024: 15 hours for children from 9 months

• From September 2025: 30 hours for children from 9 months

✅ Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the 30 funded hours from September 2025, parents must meet the following criteria:

• Your child must be at least 9 months old by 31st August 2025.

• You must be working, whether employed, self-employed, or on parental leave.

• Each parent must earn at least £9,100 annually and less than £100,000.

• You must have the right to work in the UK.

Some 2-year-olds may still qualify for 15 hours under different criteria, such as low-income or benefit-linked eligibility.

📝 How to Apply for the Funding

Applying is simple and can be done entirely online through GOV.UK. Here’s how:

1. Check your eligibility using the government’s childcare calculator at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

2. Apply online for a childcare code through your childcare account.

3. Get your unique code and give it to Fun Box Day Nursery.

4. Apply before the deadline – for the autumn term, apply by 31 August 2025.

5. Reconfirm every 3 months to keep receiving the funding.

You can apply up to 3 months before your child is eligible, so don’t wait until the last minute!

🧸 How the Funding Works at Fun Box Day Nursery

At Fun Box Day Nursery, we’re a registered provider of government-funded early education. Here’s how you can make the most of your funded hours with us:

• Flexible Options: Use your funding Term Time Only (30 hours over 38 weeks) or All Year Round (22 hours over 50 weeks).*

• No Top-Up Charges: We won’t charge extra for the funded hours—though there may be costs for meals or additional activities.

• Extra Support: If your child qualifies, we also receive extra funding through the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) or the Disability Access Fund (DAF), which helps us provide even more tailored support.

Our team will support you through every step of the application and help ensure your child gets the very best start in life.

*see specific T&C form more

📌 Key Takeaways

🗓️ When?	From September 2025
👶 For Whom?	Children aged 9 months to school age
👨‍👩‍👧 Eligibility	Working parents earning £9,100–£100,000 each
⏰ Deadline	Apply by 31 August 2025
🧾 Where?	Apply online at GOV.UK
🧡 At Fun Box	Flexible sessions, full support, no extra charges on funded time

🤝 Let’s Get Started!

If you’re planning a return to work or looking to make the most of this incredible funding opportunity, we’re here to help. At Fun Box Day Nursery, we combine nurturing care with structured early learning—ensuring every child thrives.

Get in touch today to find out how to apply, reserve your child’s place, or simply ask us any questions. Let’s give your child a confident, happy start to their learning journey.