Fees and Funding
Information about our tuition, fees and government funding.
Government Funding for 15 and 30 Hours
At Early Explorers, we understand that covering the cost of childcare can be challenging, especially in today’s climate. That’s why we’re here to help you make the most of the government-funded support available to families.
From September 2025 Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.
How Does It Work?
All children living in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week from the term after their 3rd birthday. This universal funding covers 570 hours per year, during term time (38 weeks). No application is needed — just proof of your child’s date of birth.
If you’re a working family in England, meeting certain criteria (including earning under £100,000 and working over 16 hours a week), your child may also be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week. This extended entitlement gives you 1,140 hours per year, starting from the term after your child turns 3.
How Can I Check If I’m Eligible for 30 Hours Funding?
To access 30 hours funded childcare, you’ll need to apply for an eligibility code through the Government’s Childcare Service. This helps confirm if your family meets the criteria.
To apply, simply set up a Childcare Account at:
www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare
You’ll need your personal details (and your partner’s if applicable), including:
Your National Insurance number
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you’re self-employed
The process usually takes around 20 minutes, and some parents will get an answer right away. In some cases, it can take up to 7 days.
Once approved, you’ll receive an 11-digit eligibility code. Please provide this, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth, to your local Early Explorers nursery so they can claim the funding on your behalf.
For more details on funding options, visit:
Childcare Choices – GOV.UK
Using 15 and 30 Hours Funding at Early Explorers
Government funding helps with childcare costs, but there are set guidelines on how the 15-hour and 30-hour entitlements can be used. At Early Explorers, you may still be asked to contribute towards any additional hours your child attends, as well as for meals, drinks, nappies, trips, and other consumables.
We understand that term-time-only funding doesn’t suit every family. That’s why we offer the option to stretch funding across the full 51 weeks we’re open — helping to reduce your regular monthly costs while offering year-round care.
Please note that the way funding is applied can vary slightly between locations. To get the most accurate information tailored to your child’s nursery or preschool, we recommend speaking directly with your Nursery Management Team. They’ll be happy to explain how it works and what’s included.
Early Explorers Fees
At Early Explorers, our monthly fees are calculated using the following formula:
(Weekly booking × 51 weeks) ÷ 12 months = Monthly invoice amount
We use 51 weeks to reflect the operational year, allowing for closures over the festive period.
Our fees are set individually at each Early Explorers setting and may vary slightly from location to location. We proudly accept government-funded childcare support and are happy to help you understand how it can be used within our nurseries and preschools.
To learn more about our fee structure, funding options, and what’s included (such as freshly prepared meals, nappies, and enriching extracurricular activities), please speak directly to our Early Explorers team.
They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process of joining our nursery family.
Details are still being finalised by the Government and local authorities. You can apply for your code at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Payment Plans
For more information contact the Admission department
Discounts - 5% Off
We offer a 5% sibling discount for the 2nd + child
Financial Aid
Available to our families based on a first come, first serve basis.