Funded Childcare
Funded Childcare
Maximize Your Childcare Benefits
Navigating the world of nursery funding can be a bit daunting, but it’s essential for parents looking to make the most of the available support. Please check the government website: Childcare Choices to ensure you take full advantage of free childcare available to parents.
Funding Options by Age Group
2-Year-Olds - 15 Hours Flexible Funding
- From the term after they turn 2 years old, your child could be eligible for 570 hours of funded education per year: 15 hours a week over 38 weeks or 11 hours a week over 52 weeks (‘stretched’ funding).
- You must apply for your eligibility code for Colourbox to claim funded hours for your child. Visit Suffolk County Council for more details.
- Colourbox is open all year round and offers fully funded (i.e., nil cost) sessions for children who only attend for their funded hours (stretched) where availability allows. These sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are confirmed termly to provide flexibility. Please ask about availability if you require ‘nil cost’ sessions.
- Funded hours can be used in conjunction with non-funded (‘paid’) hours. Sessions request an ‘Additional Resources & Services Charge’ for non-educational services, including but not limited to local visits, consumables such as all food, drinks, Blossom online service, resources, and extra-curricular activities not covered by government funding.
- Once booked, these sessions are guaranteed for as long as needed. There is an option to change these days to meet your working requirements (spaces allowing), with the usual one month’s notice.
From September 2024, this entitlement will be extended to all children from the age of nine months. This will allow you to benefit even earlier from free childcare to any of our nurseries in Suffolk.
2-Year-Olds - 15 Hours Flexible Funding
- From the term after they turn 3 years old, your child is eligible for 570 hours of funded education per year: 15 hours a week over 38 weeks or 11 hours a week over 52 weeks (‘stretched’ funding). Some working parents will be eligible for 1140 hours per year: 30 hours per week over 38 weeks or 22 hours per week over 52 weeks.
- You must apply for an eligibility code to claim the 30 free childcare hours. Visit Childcare Choices for more information.
- Colourbox is open all year round and offers fully funded (i.e., nil cost) sessions for children who only attend for their funded hours (stretched) where availability allows. These sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are confirmed termly to provide flexibility. Please ask about availability if you require ‘nil cost’ sessions.
- Funded hours can be used in conjunction with non-funded (‘paid’) hours. Sessions request an ‘Additional Resources & Services Charge’ for non-educational services, including but not limited to local visits, consumables such as all food, drinks, Blossom online service, resources, and extra-curricular activities not covered by government funding.
- Once booked, these sessions are guaranteed for as long as needed. There is an option to change these days to meet your working requirements (spaces allowing), with the usual one month’s notice.
From September 2025, this entitlement will be extended to working parents of children under five years old.
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Inquire About Fees
To obtain detailed information about nursery fees and funding options, parents are encouraged to contact us directly. You can reach out by phone or email, visiting our contact page for the details. Our friendly and knowledgeable managers have a thorough understanding of the funding system and are always ready to assist you. They can provide personalized guidance on the various funding options available, helping you to navigate through the application processes with ease. Additionally, during your inquiry, you can request detailed brochures. Our goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your child’s early education and care.
