Stretched Funding: Maximising your Government Funded Childcare

At Rosedene Nurseries, we are proud to support families across Teesside and North Yorkshire with access to high-quality funded childcare. Not only this, we understand the balancing act between work and family, we offer the option to ‘stretch’ your funded hours up to 51 weeks instead of the standard 38 weeks. 

So what is ‘Stretched Funding’? 

This flexible approach ensures that your child enjoys a consistent routine, while you benefit from childcare that aligns with your family's unique lifestyle and commitments. 

For example, rather than receiving your 30 hours term time only, you will receive 22 hours which can be stretched across more weeks of the year covering all school holidays.  

Stretching your funding has many benefits for your child too, it offers consistency all year around meaning children don't have big gaps in their nursery routine, especially over the summer holidays where juggling childcare can be a struggle. Children also benefit from set routine, continuing to spend time with their peers and supports their ongoing development.

This can also be better for you as it means that you can spread the cost over the year and not have to pay full fees if you then opted for your child to attend during the holidays. 

Opt for stretch funding to guarantee your nursery place all-year-around and to make your childcare funding work smarter! 

What Is Funded Childcare? 

Funded childcare — often called free childcare — is a government initiative providing financial support for early education.

Government funding is intended to deliver 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible early education and care. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables, additional hours or additional services and extra-curricular activities. If parents in receipt of government funding wish to receive these services the additional cost, is payable by parents direct to the nursery.  

Rosedene’s daily extra-curricular activities fee covers our everyday enriching experiences including Rosedene’s parent app, Forest or Beach School, Yoga, music, parent events, weekly themed events, home packs, walks, outdoor trips, charity activities, community partnerships, graduation, and health & wellbeing programme. 

Whether you're exploring options for free childcare for your baby, toddler, or preschooler, or looking to use your 30 hours free childcare entitlement, we’re here to help you every step of the way.  

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for: 

- 30 hours free childcare for working families with babies from 9months old to 2 years old 

- 30 hours free childcare for working families with 3- and 4-year-olds 

- 15 hours funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds  

- 15 hours free childcare for all 3- and 4-year-olds 

- Tax-free childcare for all families  

Check your eligibility for government funded childcare today at: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk 

Rosedene Nurseries, delivering high quality early years experiences and nurturing childcare for across 11 nursery settings in Redcar & Cleveland (Saltburn, Guisborough, Ormesby, Redcar); North Yorkshire (Stokesley, Northallerton); Stockton-on-Tees (Egglescliffe, Sunrise, Redhill); Middlesbrough (Hemlington & Easterside).