Childcare Funding: What You Should Know

Since the September 2025 expansion of government-funded childcare, families across England have been benefiting from 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months to school age. At Rosedene, we’re proud to support families across Teesside and North Yorkshire with flexible, high-quality care, and we’re here to help you make the most of your funding.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare if:

• You (and your partner, if applicable) work at least 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage or above.

• You earn up to £100,000 adjusted net income per year and be eligible. If you or your partner has an expected adjusted net income over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible. 

• Your child is at least 9 months old, and you’ve returned to work.

Funding begins the term after your child turns 9 months old, so it’s important to apply early. Check your eligibility on the Childcare Choices website [educationh...log.gov.uk]

How the Funding Works

The 30 hours cover childcare during term time (38 weeks per year). But what about the rest of the year?

At Rosedene, we recommend stretched funding, which means:

• You can spread your 1,140 funded hours across 51 weeks.

• This works out to approximately 22 hours per week, giving you year-round support and a consistent routine for your child.

This approach helps families budget more effectively, avoiding large gaps in coverage during school holidays or having to pay for extra days out of term-time.

Budgeting Tips for Families

Here’s how to stay on top of your childcare funding:

1. Apply Early

   Apply the term before your child turns 9 months and you return to work. Don’t wait - spaces are limited!

   
   

2. Reconfirm Every 3 Months

   Log into your Government Gateway account and reconfirm your eligibility to keep your funding active. 

   
   

3. Understand What’s Covered

   The funding covers the cost of basic childcare hours, but this does not include Rosedene’s enriching extra-curricular activities, breakfast, meals, snacks, our very own parent app, Forest & Beach School activities, nursery events and parent events. Rosedene will always offer transparent pricing. [gov.uk]

   
   

4. Use Stretched Hours

   Ask your nursery manager about stretched funding to avoid paying full fees during non-term weeks.

   
   

Why Rosedene?

We’re more than just a nursery, we’re a family. Rosedene have been recognised by Ofsted for our high-quality early years education, made possible by our high-quality team. With our forest and beach school, plus our nurturing environment inspired by the Curiosity Approach, we help children grow into kind, curious, and confident learners.

We also support families every step of the way:

• Help with funding applications

• Flexible sessions to suit your schedule

• Free settling-in sessions

• Regular updates via the Rosedene app

  
  

Secure Your Place Today

Places are almost full with waiting lists for each term across our nurseries. If your child is eligible, don’t miss out—contact your local Rosedene nursery to book a visit and start your journey with us.

Find your nearest nursery and enquire today