FUNDING OPTIONS
What funding are you entitled to
From 9 months to school age, there's funding available for your family. Find out which applies to you below.
15 Hours – 2 Year Olds Receiving Support
15 Hours - 2 Year Olds
Some families may qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare per week if they meet certain criteria.
Eligibility may include families who:
- Receive Universal Credit
- Are on a low household income
- Have a child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Receive Disability Living Allowance
- Have a child looked after by the local authority
- Have recently left care through adoption or special guardianship
Eligibility is confirmed by your local authority, and funding typically begins the term after your child turns two.
Universal 15 Hours Funding
15 Hours - 3 & 4 Year Olds
All families with 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week. This funding supports early learning and school readiness. We recommend contacting our nursery team first so we can help guide you through the application and ensure the process is straightforward.
30 Hours – Working Families
30 Hours - 9 Months to 4 Years
Eligible working families may receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months to school age.
To qualify, parents usually must:
- Be in paid employment
- Earn within the government income thresholds
- Apply through a government childcare account
- Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months
Our team can help guide you through the process and answer any questions.
Charging Information
We aim to make childcare as accessible and transparent as possible.
We do not charge:
- Top-up fees
- Registration fees
- Deposits
- Overhead or EYFS material costs
What the Funding Does Not Cover
The 15/30 hours funded childcare is intended to cover early education only.
It does not cover:
- Meals
- Nappies or wipes
- Sun cream
- Additional hours outside funded sessions
- Extra activities or trips
Parents are not required to pay any fee as a condition of accessing their funded place.
Optional Charges
Optional costs may include:
- Nursery meals (parents may provide packed lunches)
- Additional hours beyond funded sessions
- Trip or activity costs
Parents Information
Find out about nutrition at The Ark as well as information about fees, policies bookings and viewings.
TESTIMONIALS
"Broadening children's learning experience with school/field trips. Parents are encouraged to participate in their children's enrichment."
Aalia's Mum
"From the short period my child has been here, I must say you are doing extremely well. My child always comes home with lots to tell about her day and even more when she's had a day out (fire station) or visitors e.g dental care."
Maya's Dad
"The amount of knowledge and transformation a child that attends your nursery gets is amazing."
Avadoo/Tiza's Dad
"Staff are friendly and approachable. I like the activities the children do in the setting/bring home. I like that the children learn and take part in a number of educational learning and create work/experiences about it."
"Effective partnership, working communication, giving good advice and feedback on the child's day (what they ate, activities they are taking part in, their developments and interests.)"
