Working out how nursery funding actually works can feel like a job in itself. At Little Oaks Day Nursery in Wolverhampton, we help local families make sense of Childcare Choices, claim every free hour they are entitled to, and get their child settled into a nurturing, play-based setting without the paperwork headache. Here is everything you need to know about funded childcare with us, plus how to apply.
UK nursery funding is the government’s way of making early years education accessible to every family. Rather than paying you directly, the government funds approved nurseries like Little Oaks to deliver a set number of free childcare hours each week, so the saving goes straight into your child’s place.
At Little Oaks, we put every funded hour to good use, from early literacy and number skills to outdoor play and social development, all delivered by qualified, experienced practitioners.
Most families ask the same question first: how many hours of nursery funding can I actually get?
Here’s the current picture:
Because Little Oaks is open all year, not just during term time, we stretch these hours across all 52 weeks rather than the usual 38-week school year:
That means more flexibility to fit funded childcare around your actual working pattern, not just the school calendar.
Applying is simpler than most parents expect:
If you are wondering when to apply for nursery funding, our advice is simple: apply as early as you can, ideally as soon as your child is eligible, since codes can take a few weeks to process and need reconfirming every three months.
Your funding code is issued by the government through Childcare Choices and confirms your eligibility for free or subsidised childcare. Once you have it, our team takes care of the rest, verifying your code, explaining exactly how your hours will be used, and helping you top up with paid sessions if you need more childcare than your funded hours cover.
Not sure whether you’re eligible, or need to renew an existing code? Head to the official Childcare Choices website to check your status, or give your local Little Oaks nursery a call and we’ll talk you through it.
Younger families often ask about free childcare for 2-year-olds specifically. Depending on circumstances, some 2-year-olds may already qualify for funded hours ahead of the standard 9-month and 3-year thresholds.
Fully-funded nursery placements at Little Oaks are available based on capacity, across both term-time-only (38 weeks) and all-year-round (52 weeks) options, so speak to your local nursery manager to check what’s currently available.
That first drop-off can tug at your heartstrings; we completely get it. Here are a few simple ways to make settling into nursery a little easier for both you and your child:
We’re an established and trusted local nursery with years of experience supporting families through UK nursery funding schemes.
Our dedicated staff are trained to guide parents through applying for and using their funding code for childcare effectively.
We offer flexibility, including stretched funding for year-round care that fits your lifestyle.
Every child benefits from our nurturing, educational environment where play and learning go hand in hand.
We believe that funding for nursery shouldn’t just make childcare affordable; it should open the door to meaningful early education experiences that help children thrive.
Every family’s situation is different, and funding rules can be confusing to navigate alone. Our friendly team at Little Oaks Day Nursery is here to help you understand your options, apply for the right funding, and get your child settled into a nursery that puts their early learning first.
Contact your local Little Oaks Day Nursery in Wolverhampton, Penn or Bushbury today to talk through your funding options and book a visit.
We’re always happy to help - whether you’re looking to book a visit, ask a question or simply learn more about what we do. Reach out to our friendly team and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Call us Mon - Fri, 7.30am - 6.00pm
