England – Free & funded childcare for children aged 2, 3 & 4
Last updated: 20 Apr 2022
In order to be eligible for free childcare for your 2-year-old, you must either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit or your 2-year-old child must fit into one of the categories of children who have additional needs.
The qualifying benefits for terrific two's are:
Even if you are not receiving a qualifying benefit your 2-year-old can still get free childcare if any of the following apply:
- They’re looked after by a local council
- They have a current statement of special education needs (SEN)or an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- They get Disability Living Allowance
- They’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
- You can’t claim benefits because of your asylum seeker status or a no recourse to public funds condition. This only applies in specific circumstances – see FAQ below.
Contact your childcare provider or local council to find out how to apply or if you need further guidance.
This scheme is universal and open to all 3 and 4-year olds. There are no earnings or work requirements.
You should be able to start receiving the childcare from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s 3rd birthday.
Contact your childcare provider or local council if you need further guidance.
The eligibility criteria for free childcare for working parents are:
This scheme is universal and open to all 2, 3 and 4-year olds.
If your child is 2 to 4 year old and both parents (or the sole parent) are working (earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at the National Minimum/Living Wage, with neither parent earning over £100,000 annually), you may be able to get 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).
Contact your childcare provider or local council if you need further guidance.
Chargeable Extra Fees
At Busy Kiddies, we offer a range of optional chargeable extras to support families who require additional care outside our standard sessions.
Registration Holding Deposit
A £25 holding deposit is required upon registration to secure your child’s place.
What this covers:
Administration and processing of your child’s registration
Securing your child’s place within our setting
Initial onboarding paperwork and setup
The £25 is fully refunded once your child has started nursery
If your child does not start, the deposit is non-refundable as it is deducted for administration costs.
Breakfast Club
Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
£4 per session
Early supervised childcare before the nursery day begins
A healthy breakfast offered
Calm morning activities to help children settle into the day
A relaxed, gentle transition into their nursery session
This is perfect for families with early work commitments.
After-Care Club
Monday – Friday | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (30 minutes minimum booking required)
£9 per hour, or
- £22.50 per full session
What this includes:
Supervised, structured care after the main nursery day
Calm indoor activities, creative play, and free play
Healthy light snack provided
Opportunities to unwind, socialise, and relax in a safe environment
This service is ideal for working parents who need extended childcare in the afternoons.
Holiday Club
Available subject to sufficient demand
£9 per hour (3 hour minimum booking required)
What this includes:
Safe, supervised childcare during selected school holiday periods
Fun themed activities, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor play
Social opportunities with familiar staff and friends
A relaxed holiday-style routine while still supporting learning through play
Holiday Club runs only when there is enough demand to ensure safe staffing levels.
Trips & Special Activities
From time to time, we may offer special activities and trips with independent external providers. Parents will always be given at least two weeks’ notice, and charges will be confirmed in advance.
These may include (but not limited to) :
Farm visits
Soft play trips
Animal encounters
Sports and movement workshops
Cultural and educational experiences
Parents will always be given at least two weeks’ notice, full details of the activity, and separate pricing before booking is required.
If you do not require any participation of the above additional services, your child will remain at nursery and continue with their care and learning as normal during their booked session times.
Important Notice
All chargeable extras are optional, except for the registration holding deposit, which is only refundable once your child has officially started nursery.