Help with Childcare Costs

Finding out what childcare support your family may be entitled to can sometimes feel a little confusing. The good news is that several schemes are available—and the Best Start in Life Childcare Checker can help you find the right one.

15 hours for eligible two-year-olds

Some two-year-olds may receive 15 hours of funded childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year if their family receives certain forms of support or the child meets particular eligibility criteria.

This is sometimes known as two-year-old funding or disadvantaged two-year-old funding.

15 hours for all three- and four-year-olds

All three- and four-year-olds in England can receive 15 hours of funded childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year, regardless of their parents’ income or employment.

This is commonly known as the universal entitlement.

30 hours for working families

Eligible working parents may receive 30 hours of funded childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year, for children aged from nine months until they start school.

As Little Dragons welcomes children from the age of two, eligible families can use this support with us from their child’s second birthday, subject to the relevant funding start date and the availability of a place.

Parents who qualify will receive an eligibility code. Please send this code to a member of our management team as soon as possible so that we can complete the necessary checks.

Tax-Free Childcare

Eligible families can use Tax-Free Childcare towards their childcare costs. For every £8 a parent pays into their childcare account, the Government adds £2.

This can be used to help pay for additional nursery hours and other approved childcare, including after-school and holiday care.

Universal Credit childcare support

Working families receiving Universal Credit may be able to claim back some of their eligible childcare costs. The amount available will depend on individual circumstances.

Families cannot receive Universal Credit childcare support and Tax-Free Childcare at the same time, so it is important to check which option is best for you.

Which path is right for your family?

Every family’s circumstances are different. Take a few moments to use the Best Start in Life Childcare Checker and follow the simple questions to discover the support you may be entitled to.

Once you receive a childcare eligibility code, please forward it to a member of the Little Dragons management team. If you are unsure what to do next, please speak to us—we will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Eligibility and the support available will depend on your family’s individual circumstances. Funded places at Little Dragons are subject to our admissions arrangements and availability.