Fees and funding
We accept government funding for qualifying 2 year olds.
We accept government funding for children aged 3+.
Options are available to purchase extra sessions if required. Please call to discuss pricing options.
Funding options
Funding is provided for 38 weeks per year (term time).
At Elgin Pre‑school, we accept the government early years funding available to families in England to help with the cost of childcare. Current entitlements include:
For 2‑year‑olds:
Eligible children can receive 15 hours per week of free early education and childcare (term time only) from the term after their second birthday. Families qualify based on specific benefit or income criteria.
For 3 and 4‑year‑olds:
All children in England are entitled to 15 hours per week of funded early education (term time only).
Additional working families funding:
Eligible working parents of 3 and 4‑year‑olds can access up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare, subject to eligibility criteria.
Expanded future funding:
From September 2025, eligible working families will be able to access up to 30 hours per week, with the rollout happening in stages.
How it works with us
- We will help you use your free funded hours at Elgin Pre‑school.
- Any hours attended beyond your funded entitlement (for example extra sessions, extended days, or holiday care) will be charged at our standard fee rates.
- Funding does not cover meals or optional extras; these may be charged separately.
Eligibility and applying
Parents must apply for funding entitlements through the government online system and give the funding code to us each term where required. Eligibility criteria vary depending on age, working status, and other factors. Our team is happy to support you through this process.
For full details and to check your eligibility, please visit beststartinlife.gov.uk or talk to our manager.
Additional financial support
Tax‑free childcare
Tax‑Free Childcare is a government scheme that helps working parents with childcare costs. You open an online childcare account and, for every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 (a 20% top‑up). You can get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 per child per year) towards your childcare costs, or up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 per year) if your child is disabled. This support can be used to help pay for childcare at Elgin Pre‑school that isn’t covered by free hours, including extra sessions and additional fees.
To claim Tax‑Free Childcare you and your partner (if you have one) must usually be working and meet income eligibility criteria (including not earning more than £100,000 each), and your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme. You cannot receive Tax‑Free Childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit childcare support.
Universal Credit childcare element
If you are eligible for Universal Credit, you may be able to claim help towards childcare costs through its childcare element. This can cover a percentage of your childcare expenses (for children under age 17) with the exact amount based on your individual circumstances.
Important: You cannot claim Tax‑Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare support at the same time — you must choose the option that works best for your family.