Mini Morgans Guide To Getting Childcare Funding
Helping You Access Government Support for Affordable Early Years Education
At Mini Morgans, we understand how important affordable childcare is for families. That's why we participate in several funding schemes to help reduce your childcare costs. Our fees are fully inclusive - there are no extra charges for meals, consumables, trips, or extra-curricular sessions delivered by external providers
We do not charge for bank holidays or for the Christmas week when we are closed. We're committed to helping parents by applying savings from all government schemes in full to reduce your fees.
Universal Childcare Funding for all Parents
All parents of 3 to 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks per year, from the start of the new term after their child's third birthday. There's no need to apply for the standard 15 hours - Mini Morgans will arrange this for you once you provide ID verification and your child's NHS number.
Childcare Funding for Working Parents
Parents who work more than 16 hours per week and earn less than £100,000 annually may be eligible to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years old (including 15 hours of universal funding for 3- to 4-year-olds). You'll get these 30 hours for 38 weeks of the year.
To claim childcare funding for working parents, you must apply online to HMRC at: www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/apply-for-free-childcare-if-youre-working
Once approved, HMRC will issue you a code. Provide this to Mini Morgans so we can make arrangements with the local council. You must reapply each term to maintain your funding code. Parents will need to apply online within specific windows. Find details at: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Funded Childcare for Disadvantaged 2-Year-Olds
Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare due to family circumstances or income levels.
Apply online via Hertfordshire County Council: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/childcare-and-advice-for-paren ts/free-early-education-and-childcare/2-year-olds-supported-families.aspx#
Stretching Funding Hours Over the Year
Funded hours typically apply for 38 weeks per year. At Mini Morgans Nursery, we offer the option to 'stretch' these hours across the full year*
*Please note: funding applies only to educational hours. Costs such as meals, nappies, wipes, or trips are charged separately if supplied by Mini Morgans.- 15 hours stretched = approx. 11 hours per week all year round
- 30 hours stretched = approx. 22 hours per week all year round
This keeps your monthly fees fixed if you require all year round care.
Tax-Free Childcare Accounts
You can combine Tax-Free Childcare with 30 hours of free childcare (if eligible).To apply, visit: www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare/apply-for-tax-free-childcare
How it Works:
- Set up an online childcare account via HMRC
- For every £8 you deposit, the government adds £2
- Max benefit: £2,000/year per child (requires a deposit of £8,000 per year)
To qualify, each parent (or the single parent) must:
- Earn over £125/week
- Earn under £100,000/year
You'll need:
- A Government Gateway account
- National Insurance and passport numbers to verify identity
Childcare Vouchers
We accept payments from most major childcare voucher companies. However, this scheme is now closed to new applicants. Only those already enrolled with an employer can continue using it.
Universal Credit
Eligible working parents can reclaim up to 85% of childcare costs via Universal Credit:
- Up to £1,031.88 per month for 1 child
- Up to £1,768.94 per month for 2+ children
Learn more or apply at: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/universal-credit
Note: You cannot use Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare at the same time. However, Universal Credit can be used to pay for charges not covered by funded hours, or for extra hours.Childcare Support for Students: Care to Learn
If you are a full-time student under 20, the Care to Learn scheme can provide up to £180 per week toward childcare.
Apply or learn more: www.gov.uk/care-to-learn