Stepping Stones Funding Guide
Find out all you need to know about government funding
In September 2025, eligible working families in Chester (and across England) will
see an expansion of childcare support for children aged 9 months to 3 years. The
current 15 hours per week of funded childcare for these children will increase to 30
hours per week. This expansion applies to 38 weeks of the year, similar to the
existing 30-hour entitlement for 3 and 4-year-olds.
From September 2025, 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 3
years will increase to 30 hours per week.
The eligibility criteria will remain the same as the existing 30-hour entitlement for 3
and 4-year-olds. This means parents or carers need to earn at least the equivalent of
16 hours at the minimum wage, but not more than £100,000.
The 30-hour entitlement applies for 38 weeks of the year.
Children can access the expanded funding from the start of the term after they turn 9
months.
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Here you will find useful information on early years funding and eligibility criteria for
two, three and four year old places, to support parents, carers and childcare
providers.
This includes: how to claim your child’s free place, what you and your
child will get out of a free entitlement place, setting up as a childcare provider
offering these free places or any other support regarding eligible two, three and four
year old funded places.
2-3 Year Old Admissions
We accept 2 year old children the term following their 2nd birthday.
To find out if you are eligible for 15 funded (free) hours please check the criteria outlined on the 2 Year Old Application Funded (Free)
Your child’s name can be placed on the waiting list any time prior to their 2nd birthday. 15 hours (free) education (for those who meet eligibility criteria) are available over 5x mornings or 5x afternoons as follows: MORNING SESSIONS are from 9am to 12pm AFTERNOON SESSIONS are from 12pm to 3pm
If the class is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list and allocated a place using the following admissions criteria: children in care or being looked after (all schools must have this as a top priority) children with an Education, Health and Care Plan children who are eligible for a funded 2 year old place children who have a brother or sister at the school already date of application (for a fee paying place)
We will try to accommodate your desired sessions as best we can, subject to availability. You can find out more in our Admissions Policy.
To register your child at the Nursery, call us on 01244 372446 or email steppingstones.preschool@hotmail.co.uk
3-5 Year Old Admissions
All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to 15 hours of funded (free) education subject to availability and our Admissions Policy
To register your child at the Nursery, please complete an Admission Enquiry Form, or call us on 01244 372446. Your child’s nursery place can be reserved any time prior to their 3rd birthday.
To find out more about our school make an appointment to look around.
We offer 15 hours free education to be taken over 5 half day sessions or over two and a half days.
The hours are as follows:
9am – 12pm session
12pm – 3pm session
9am – 3pm all day
We will try to accommodate your preferred hours, subject to availability. You can find out more in our Admissions Policy.
Children are admitted the term after their 3rd birthday. If the classes are full, your child will be placed on a waiting list and allocated a place using the following admissions criteria: children in care or being looked after (all schools must have this as a top priority) children with an Education, Health and Care Plan children who are eligible for early years pupil premium children who have a brother or sister at the school already date of application
30 Hours Funding
Working families may be able to get up to 30 hours free childcare, for 3 and 4 year old children. This means they can attend all week.
To be eligible for the additional 15 hours funding you must meet the following criteria:
You, and any partner, must each expect to earn wages equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage as a minimum.
If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you’re unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.
You can’t get 30 hours free childcare if you, or your partner, expect to earn £100,000 or more.
Your child can start in their childcare place the term after they turn 3 years old and have received a valid 30 hours code, whichever is later. Term start dates are 1st September, January and 1st April.
You may get asked for further information as part of your application, so apply well ahead of the start date for each term.
To keep your 30 hours free childcare place you need to check your details are up to date every 3 months. You will receive reminders to do this.
To check if you are eligible for a 30 hours (full time) funded place please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk and then give the code to the Office Staff to secure your child’s place.
Further information from the Government can be found here.
The Current Offer
In England, all parents and carers of 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week childcare support with registered childcare providers. Eligible working parents and carers of children aged 3-4 can also get an additional 15 hours childcare support, bringing their total up to 30 hours a week.
Some eligible parents of 2-year-old children may also be entitled to 15 hours childcare support, if they receive some additional forms of government support.
Your hours can be used per week for 38 weeks of the year. You may be able use your hours for up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit for Childcare whilst claiming your 15 or 30 hours of childcare support. Find out the right offer for you and how to apply for 30 hours of childcare.
Follow the link for more information https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
