Local Authority Funding

15 hours of free childcare – age 2

Children from households who meet the present West Sussex County Council eligibility criteria might be entitled to free childcare. Parents/Carers can apply themselves without a referral. The online application form and guidance notes are available on the West Sussex County Council website www.westsussex.gov.uk/freechildcare.

Funding is awarded up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. This will be stretched over 51 weeks which equated to 11 hours per week.

The funding can be used against all sessions but not between 12 pm – 1 pm. This hour will be charged at an hourly rate of £9.30 and will include a hot two-course lunch. Tea will be charged at £1.60 (some dietary meals will have an additional cost). Stretched hours will not be available, term time only.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, hours will be allocated as 5 x 1 pm – 4 pm sessions as agreed with the nursery. These sessions will be limited.

15 hours of free childcare – ages 3 and 4

Funding is available to all children the term after their third birthday. It is awarded up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. This will be stretched over 51 weeks which equates to 11 hours per week.

The funding can be used against all sessions but not between 12 pm – 1 pm. This hour will be charged at an hourly rate of £9.30 and will include a hot two-course lunch. Tea will be charged at £1.60 (some dietary meals will have additional cost). Stretched hours will not be available, term time only.

If you wish to take up the free entitlement, term time only session, hours will be allocated as 5 x 1pm – 4pm sessions as agreed with the nursery. These sessions will be limited.

30 hours free childcare – ages 3 and 4

Extended 30 hours free childcare is available to all children the term after their third birthday whose parents meet the eligibility criteria. It is awarded up to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. This will be stretched over 51 weeks equating to 22 hours per week.

The funding can be used against all sessions but not between 12pm – 1pm. This hour will be charged at an hourly rate of £9.30 and will include a hot two-course lunch. Tea will be charged at £1.60 (some dietary meals will have an additional cost). Stretched hours will not be available, term time only.

To check if you are eligible for childcare funding or to register, please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk where you will be provided with a unique code.