At Shotley Bridge Nursery School in Blackhill, we make funded childcare hours simple and stress-free for families. Whether you prefer term-time or stretched options, we’ll guide you through exactly how funding works alongside meals or extras, with no hidden surprises. If you use another childcare provider too, we’ll help you split your hours smoothly.
What “free hours” actually means
When people say “free childcare hours,” they’re talking about government‑funded hours you can use with an approved childcare provider (like a nursery, preschool or childminder). These hours help cover the cost of childcare time only. They don’t usually include things like meals, nappies, or optional extras.
You can normally use your funded hours in two broad ways:
- Term‑time offer – You use a larger number of hours each week during school terms and none during the holidays. Think of it as funding that’s concentrated into the school weeks.
- Stretched offer – You spread the same total annual hours across the whole year (including school holidays), which means fewer hours each week but more consistent childcare across 12 months.
Tip: Term‑time can suit families who only need childcare in school weeks. A stretched offer can suit those who want a steady weekly pattern all year round.
Who can use funded hours
Eligibility can depend on your child’s age, your family circumstances, and the type of provider. In plain English, families typically qualify when:
- Your child is in an age group covered by current funded schemes.
- You (and/or your partner) meet the relevant work or benefit criteria.
- You’re using an approved, registered provider.
Because the rules do change from time to time and can differ slightly by local area, the simplest next step is to check your exact eligibility using the official checker, or ask us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
How funded hours work alongside paid sessions, meals & extras
Funded hours cover the childcare time only. Most settings will charge separately for:
- Meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, tea)
- Consumables (nappies, wipes, sun cream)
- Optional extras (trips, clubs, special activities)
Many families choose sessions that are longer than the funded hours on a given day. In that case, you’ll pay only for the additional time and any extras. Your monthly invoice will show which hours were covered by funding and which charges are for top‑ups or extras.
Good to know: Funding can’t be used to cover deposits, late pick‑up fees, or optional extras. Your Fees & Funding Policy explains exactly how this works at our setting.
Splitting hours across different settings (e.g., nursery + childminder)
It’s usually possible to split your funded hours between two providers (for example, a nursery for some days and a childminder for others). A few practical tips:
- Tell both providers you plan to split hours so they can help you avoid overlaps.
- You can’t claim the same hour twice. Each funded hour must be allocated to a single provider.
- Some local councils limit how many places you can split between. If in doubt, ask us and we’ll check the local guidance with you.
How to use your hours with us (simple step‑by‑step)
- Choose term‑time or stretched – We’ll help you decide which pattern best fits your family.
- Pick your sessions – Decide the days/times you want your child to attend.
- We apply the funding – We’ll allocate your funded hours to your chosen sessions.
- Pay for any extras/top‑ups – Meals, consumables and any time beyond the funded hours are itemised on your invoice.
- Review each term – If your needs change, we’ll help you adjust your pattern.
Quick FAQs
Can we switch from term‑time to stretched later?
Often, yes—usually from the start of a new term or billing cycle. Just ask and we’ll plan the switch together.
What if we start part‑way through a term?
No problem. We’ll calculate the pro‑rata funded hours available from your start date.
Do bank holidays affect our funding?
Your total annual funded hours stay the same. We’ll explain how we allocate them around closures and bank holidays.
Can we add extra sessions?
Absolutely. You can book additional paid sessions alongside your funded pattern if spaces are available.
Ready to take the next step?
- Check your eligibility – We’ll send you the official checker link and help you understand the result.
Ask us how we offer funded places – We’ll walk you through the patterns we can provide and show example invoices so you know exactly what to expect.
