Government funding for early years can feel confusing.
This page explains exactly how it works at Young Friends, in plain English.
If you read nothing else, remember this:
Funding contributes towards the cost of your child’s place.
It does not cover additional services such as meals, consumables and enrichment.
At a glance – a simple overview
- Most children are entitled to some government-funded early education
- This funding contributes towards early years education and care
- Families can choose whether to access additional services such as meals, consumables and enrichment
At Young Friends, funding is never hidden, and choices are always clear.
Universal Funding (All Families)
Most 3 and 4 year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education per week, starting from the term after their third birthday.
This is known as Universal EYFE and applies to all families, regardless of income.
How this works at Young Friends
We deliver funding year-round by stretching it across 50 weeks.
This means:
- 15 funded hours during term time
becomes - 11.4 funded hours per week, all year
This approach provides consistency for children and families.
Extended Funding (Working Families)
Some working families are entitled to an additional 15 funded hours.
This is often referred to as “30 hours funding”.
How this works at Young Friends
- 30 funded hours during term time
becomes - 22.8 funded hours per week, all year
Who is eligible?
To qualify, each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must:
- Earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at minimum wage
- Earn less than £100,000 per year
Families must apply through HMRC and receive an eligibility code, which must be renewed each term.
Funding for Younger Children
Some families are entitled to funded hours before age three.
- From September 2025, eligible working families can access 30 funded hours from 9 months
- Some 2-year-olds qualify through local authority funding, usually linked to income or specific circumstances
Eligibility is confirmed through HMRC or the local authority.
We’re always happy to help families understand what they may be entitled to.
What Government Funding Covers
(and what it does not)
This is the most important section.
Government funding covers:
- Delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum
- Required assessments, checks and record keeping
- Staffing requirements to meet statutory ratios
- Care, supervision and safeguarding
All children accessing funded hours receive the same high-quality early education experience.
Animal care and therapeutic interactions form part of how we support children’s emotional regulation, confidence and social development within our everyday provision.
Government funding does not cover:
- Meals or snacks
- Nappies or care products
- Enrichment experiences
Families may choose to access additional services such as meals, consumables and enrichment
Your Choices at Young Friends
All families receiving funding choose one of two pathways.
1. The Full Young Friends Experience
(Most families choose this)
Families opt into the Full Young Friends Experience, which reflects how Young Friends is intentionally designed to be experienced.
This includes:
- All food, care products and consumables
- Enrichment experiences and trips
- The full Young Friends daily rhythm
This option allows children to experience Young Friends as a whole, without parents needing to provide additional items or exclusions.
2. Funded-Only Care
Families may choose to access funded hours only, without meals, consumables or enrichment.
This option:
- Runs within specific funded-only time blocks
- Requires families to provide food and care items
- Does not include enrichment experiences or trips
This pathway exists to ensure access to funded education, but it does not represent the full Young Friends experience.
An important reassurance
All children attending Young Friends receive the same high standard of care, supervision and respect, regardless of funding route.
This is a core value and a statutory requirement.
Wraparound Care
Funded hours can be combined with wraparound care in the morning and late afternoon.
Wraparound hours:
- Are optional
- Are charged at our standard hourly rate
- Include meals and snacks during those times
This allows families to build a pattern that works for their working day.
Stand-Alone Funded Places
These places:
- Are available on Mondays and Fridays
- Are allocated based on availability
- Are discussed directly with management
Children identified as needing additional developmental, social or emotional support are prioritised for these places where appropriate.
Changes to Funding Eligibility
Funding eligibility is checked regularly.
If:
- An eligibility code expires
- A family’s circumstances change
A grace period usually applies, after which fees may become payable.
We will always communicate clearly and in advance if changes affect your invoice.
Additional Funding & Support
Some children are eligible for additional support, including:
- Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
- Disability Access Fund (DAF)
- SEND or language support services
These funds are used to enhance provision and support children’s needs within the setting.
If You’re Unsure
Government funding is complicated, you are not expected to understand it instantly.
If you are unsure:
- What you’re entitled to
- Which option is right for your family
- How funding will affect your fees
Please speak to our team.
We are always happy to explain it before you book a viewing.
See our Early Years Funding Policy
