Early Years Free Entitlement

The Government have announced their plan for all children to get free hours from 9 months old.

 

 We are optimistic about government changes and will strive to provide parents with options to maximise support. With our fantastic funded options, you will receive your hours completely free, with minimal extra fees.

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3 and 4-year-olds

Currently, all 3 and 4-year-olds are, from the term after their third birthdays, entitled to free early years provision up to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks per year (term-time) or stretched to 570 hours if the child attends year-round. This is called "universal funding" in Brighton and Hove. You do not need to formally apply for 15hr "universal" funding through the government, you can apply for universal funding, directly through us. 

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Some 3 and 4-year-olds whose parents are working  are entitled to an additional 15 hours per week, ie. 30 hours term-time or 1140 stretched across the year, this is called the 'Extended' or '30 hours' in Brighton and Hove. You need to confirm your eligibility for 'extended' hours, if successful, you will be provided with a unique 11-digit-code, which you will pass to us when applying for a place. 

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2-year-olds

Currently, some two-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours a week for 38 weeks per year or stretched to 570 hours a year if he child attends year-round. From the term after the child turns two-years-old. Parents living in Brighton and Hove can see if they are eligible for two-year-old funding here

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From April 2024, more two-year-olds from working families will be eligible for 15 hours of funding. We hope that the Department for Education will announce how you can apply in the Autumn of 2023.

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From September 2025, some two-year-olds will be eligible for 30 hours of funding. We await more information from the Department for Education on this.

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From 9-23 Months

Currently, this age group are not eligible for funding.

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From Sept 2024, working families will be eligible for 15 hours. We await information on how your eligibility will be assessed.

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From Sept 2025, working families will be eligible for 30 hours. We await information on how your eligibility will be assessed.

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FAQ's

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When can I book my funded place?

You should reserve your place as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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What about the deposit and registration Fee

A deposit of £200 and a £30 registration fee is required to secure a place

If you have a "stand alone" place, the deposit is refunded to you at the end of your first month of attendance.

If you book additional session or hours, your deposit is retained until you leave the nursery and it is refunded on your last invoice, or within one month of you leaving the nursery. 

The deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your place for any reason.

Cancellation of a funded place, requires one full months notice. In the event that notice is not given, full fees are charged during the notice period.

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Will my hours actually be free?

Yes, your funded hours are completely free at The Nest.

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What will I need to pay for?

You will only pay for your meals and activities, plus additional hours that are not covered by funding.

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Meals are charged at no more than £3.50 each, activities are charged at no more than £10 per week, and additional sessions and hours are charged at the normal sessional or hourly rate listed on our fee list. Additional hours are calculated as total number of hours attended per week minus funded hours per week.

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What happens to funded hours on bank holidays?

Funded hours that fall on a bank holiday can not be replaced. 

You do not pay for meals or activities on bank holidays, and this is taken into consideration when your monthly fee is calculated.

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