New! Funding from 9 Months will be available, from September 2025, working parents will be eligible for 30 hours/week.

Parents must apply via Childcare Choices and meet income criteria

Childcare Funding Options at Early Steps Daycare, Whitechapel

At Early Steps Daycare, we understand that childcare costs can be a significant concern for families in Whitechapel and surrounding areas. That’s why we provide clear guidance on childcare funding, government schemes, and financial support available for early years education.

Below are some information pertaining to the available funding options that may help you with your childcare application.

Government-Funded Childcare*

We offer access to several government-funded childcare schemes to help families cover the cost of nursery places:

• 2-Year-Old Funding: Eligible children aged 2 can receive free childcare, depending on family income and benefits.

• 3–4-Year-Old Universal Entitlement: All 3 and 4-year-olds receive 15 hours per week of free nursery care.

• 3–4-Year-Old Extended Entitlement: Working parents may qualify for 30 hours per week of funded childcare, giving your child up to 1,140 hours of learning each year.

Note: Government-funded hours usually cover 38 weeks per year. At Early Steps Daycare, we offer funding across 48+ weeks to accommodate part-time and working families, enabling families to access more of the funded hours than would otherwise be available to them if restricted under a term time structure. This means instead of being restricted to 15 hours or 30 hours per week over term time only, you can now enjoy 11 hours or 22 hours per week spread over 48+ weeks of the year.

Child must meet specific eligibility criteria

To know more about Funded Hours click here