Childcare support can help you to balance the job that you want with being a parent, while saving you more money on your family’s childcare costs.

If you haven't already done so, please remember to get us your childcare code in time for your child to benefit from a funded place this September.

When can I apply and how do I get my code?

You should apply now. Applications are open for eligible working parents whose children will be aged 9 months – 2 years on 31^st August to receive their funded childcare from 1^st September 2024.

Applications are also open for eligible working parents of three and four year old children to receive their Extended Entitlement, which doubles their funded hours, from 1^st September 2024.

When you apply, you’ll receive a code to give to us which we need to validate before confirming your funded place.

It’s important to remember that codes need to be renewed every three months, so parents who applied before 1 June will need to make sure they renew their code before 1^st September.

You can claim your place the term after your child turns the relevant age. This gives local authorities and childcare providers enough time to prepare.

How do I apply? 

You apply online here at Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) once you have checked the eligibility criteria. Check you're eligible for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:

• your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
• the date you started or are due to start work
• details of any government support or benefits you receive
• the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child.

You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll get a code to give to us.

Eligible parents are also able to access Tax-Free Childcare through the same application system. You can apply for Tax-Free Childcare at any time. However, you don't need to apply for Tax-Free Childcare to be eligible to apply for the 15 hours childcare scheme.

Please remember to act now and give us your eligibility code as soon as possible, ideally by the end of July so that we can process your application for a funded place and ensure that your September bill is correct.

If you have any queries please speak with your Nursery Manager or with Paula in our Accounts Team – paula.taylor@mamabear.co.uk