30 Hours Free Childcare Nottingham: How to Claim Your Funded Hours and Use Them at Little Toes
If you have been searching for 30 hours free childcare in Nottingham, you are already in the right place. The government’s funded childcare scheme is one of the most valuable benefits available to working families yet thousands of parents across Nottinghamshire remain unclear on how to apply, when to apply, and, crucially, where to use their hours.
At Little Toes Nurseries, we make the whole process simple. Whether you are looking for a nursery in Nottingham, a day nursery in Mansfield, or a nursery in North Muskham, our team is on hand to guide you every step of the way.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about claiming your funded hours and explain why Little Toes is the trusted choice for early years childcare in Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
What Is the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme?
The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a government initiative designed to support working families with the cost of early years childcare. Traditionally available to parents of three and four year olds, the scheme has undergone a significant expansion, one of the most important changes to childcare policy in recent years.
Here is how the phased rollout works:
- From April 2024: Eligible working parents of two-year-olds can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
- From September 2024: Eligible working parents of children from 9 months old can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
- From September 2025: Eligible working parents of children from 9 months up to school age will be entitled to the full 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
This is a game-changer for families seeking quality childcare in Nottingham. If you have a baby or toddler, funding that was once reserved for older children may now be available to you.
Are You Eligible 30 Hours For Free Childcare ? Understanding the Criteria
Eligibility for the 30 hours (or 15 hours for younger children) is primarily linked to employment. In most cases, both parents or the sole parent in a single-parent household must be working.
The key criteria are:
- Earnings: You must expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage. This applies to both parents.
- Income cap: Each parent must earn less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year.
- Residency: You must live in England.
Even if you do not qualify for the working parent entitlement, your child may still be eligible for 15 hours of universal early years funding under separate criteria for example, if you are in receipt of certain benefits. At Little Toes, we are happy to talk through all of your options with you, whatever your circumstances.
How to Claim Your 30 Hours Childcare: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is straightforward once you know what to do. Here is exactly how to claim your funded hours for use at a Little Toes setting:
Step 1: Apply Online via GOV.UK
Head to the government’s Childcare Service on GOV.UK to check your eligibility and submit your application. You will need your National Insurance number to hand, and your partner’s details if applicable. The online process takes roughly 20 minutes.
Step 2: Receive Your 11-Digit Eligibility Code
If your application is successful, you will receive an 11-digit eligibility code. Keeping this safe is essential. Without this code, your chosen nursery in Nottingham or day nursery in Mansfield cannot claim the funded hours from the local authority on your behalf.
Step 3: Share Your Code with Little Toes
Once you have your code, get in touch with your preferred Little Toes nursery as soon as possible. Funded places at our nursery are in high demand, and we would hate for you to miss out. Our team will handle everything else, working directly with the local authority to ensure your funding is applied correctly.
Step 4: Reconfirm Every Three Months
This is the step that catches many families out. You must log back into your government account every three months to reconfirm that your details are still accurate. If you forget, your code will expire and your funding will be temporarily suspended. Set a calendar reminder to avoid any interruption to your childcare in Nottingham.
Why Choose Little Toes for Your Funded Childcare in Nottinghamshire?
Claiming your 30 hours is just the beginning. The quality of the early years setting you choose will shape your child’s development, confidence, and love of learning for years to come. Here is why families across Nottinghamshire trust Little Toes with their most important choice.
A Home-From-Home Environment
At Little Toes, we believe that the best early years settings feel warm, familiar, and safe, not institutional. Each of our nurseries has been thoughtfully designed to create a genuinely nurturing atmosphere where children feel settled and happy from their very first session.
Outstanding Early Years Curriculum
We deliver the full Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through play, creativity, and exploration. From sensory play and outdoor learning to music, art, and school-readiness activities, your child’s funded hours at Little Toes are an investment in a rich, rounded early years education not simply a childcare arrangement.
Freshly Prepared, Nutritious Meals
We take children’s nutrition seriously. Our kitchens prepare fresh, healthy meals daily, introducing little ones to a variety of flavours and ingredients. For many children, mealtimes at Little Toes become one of the highlights of their day.
Dedicated, Locally Recruited Staff
Every member of the Little Toes team is recruited from within the local community. They understand Nottinghamshire, they share its values, and they bring genuine warmth and commitment to every child in their care. Our strict staff-to-child ratios ensure that every child receives the individual attention they deserve.
Maximising Your Funded Childcare Hours: What You Need to Know
Can I split my hours between providers?
Yes, you can split your funded hours between two providers for example, using 15 hours at a day nursery in Nottingham and 15 hours with a childminder. However, many families find that keeping all their hours with one trusted early years nursery like Little Toes supports greater continuity of care and stronger developmental outcomes for their child.
Are there any additional costs?
The government funding covers the cost of childcare and early education. It does not typically extend to consumables such as meals, nappies, or specialist trips. At Little Toes, we are fully transparent about our consumables fee there are no hidden surprises on your monthly invoice.
When should I apply?
You can apply for funded hours when your child is two years and 36 weeks old. We strongly recommend applying the term before you wish the funding to begin. For instance, if you want your hours to start in September, apply in June or July. This also gives you more time to secure a funded place at your preferred nursery in Nottingham or Mansfield places fill quickly.
What if I am self-employed or on parental leave?
Self-employed parents are eligible for the scheme, provided they meet the minimum earnings threshold. Parents returning from maternity or paternity leave may also qualify even if they are not yet back at work. The GOV.UK eligibility checker will confirm your specific circumstances.
Preparing Your Child for Their Early Years Journey
Starting nursery is a significant milestone for children and parents alike. At Little Toes, we offer a thorough settling-in process to help every child feel secure and ready to explore. Our practitioners take time to get to know each child individually, building on their interests and adapting their approach to suit each little personality.
From the moment you enquire about childcare in Nottinghamshire, you will be supported by a dedicated team who genuinely care. We offer personal nursery tours, one-to-one meetings with your child’s key worker, and regular updates on their progress and development.
Our school-readiness programme ensures that children in their final year at Little Toes are well prepared for the transition to primary school confident, curious, and ready to thrive.
Securing Your Funded Place at Little Toes: Act Early
The expansion of government-funded childcare is genuinely transformative for Nottinghamshire families but it has also increased demand significantly. At Little Toes, we maintain strict staff-to-child ratios to ensure the quality of care that our families expect. This means our funded places are limited and in high demand across all four settings.
Whether you are interested in a nursery in Nottingham, a day nursery in Mansfield, a nursery in North Muskham, or our fourth setting, we strongly encourage you to get in touch as early as possible. The earlier you register your interest, the better your chances of securing the place and the session times that suit your family.
Ready to Claim Your 30 Hours Free Childcare? Let Little Toes Help You Get Started
You should not have to navigate the childcare funding system alone. At Little Toes, we have helped hundreds of Nottinghamshire families claim their funded hours and find the perfect early years setting for their child.
Our nursery managers are on hand to answer your questions, check your eligibility codes, walk you through the application, and book a personal tour of your nearest Little Toes setting.
Take the Next Step And Secure Your Child’s Funded Place Today
Fill out our simple enquiry form and one of our friendly nursery managers will be in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!