Bright Star Day Nursery
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

In England, there are two government-funded 15 hours’ free early education schemes that offer childcare for children aged two, three and four: • 15 hours’ funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds • 15 hours’ funded childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds This means that your little one will get a funded childcare placement with a government-approved provider (meaning they must be registered with Ofsted and participate in the scheme). Bright Stars is an approved childcare provider and proudly takes part in this scheme.

All you need to do to receive these funded hours is to contact us, share proof of your child's age (their birth certificate) and fill out a declaration form. We will then apply on your behalf.

Your 2-year-old is eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week if you live in England and get any of the following benefits: · Income support · income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) · Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) · Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments. · The guaranteed element of Pension Credit · Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits (or both), and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax. · The Working Tax Credit 4-week run-on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) · Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act - NASS support Your child is also eligible if: · They are looked after by a local authority. · Have an education, health, and care (EHC) plan. · Get Disability Living Allowance · Have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangement order. It’s likely that you may have to pay for extra costs such as meals, or be required to bring a pack lunch from home. You can use the hours from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s second birthday.

If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you might still be able to get 15 hours of funded childcare for your 2-year-old. Your eligibility depends on the following: You must live in England and your household income must be no more than: · £26,500 for families outside of London with one child · £34,500 for families within London with one child · £30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children · £38,600 for families within London with two or more children You might be able to get 15 hours’ funded childcare for your 3- and 4-year-old. You will not be eligible if you have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

Bright Stars are pleased to offer 30 hours’ funded childcare for all eligible families. All 3 and 4-year-olds in England currently receive 15 hours a week government-funded early education. If their parents are living and working in England, 3 and 4-year-olds may be entitled to 30 hours’ funded childcare. If eligible, you will be entitled to access the 30 funded hours from the beginning of the term following your child’s 3rd birthday. Age of Children Your child/children must be either 3 or 4 years old. You can apply for funding in the term prior to your child's 3rd birthday but the funding will not apply until the term after they turn 3.