Government Funded Places

We have funded places available for all eligible children. Click on the circles to find out more about each funding type on the governments childcare funding website 'Best Start in Life'

Scroll down to find the Frequently Asked Questions about funding at Riverside.

When can I use funded hours?

Funded hours can be used for all of our sessions.

You can pay for extra sessions at our standard rates if you don't have enough funded hours for the number of session you want.

We have no minimum number of sessions, you can choose whichever comibination works best for you.

You can add extra sessions or build up to more sessions over time.

You can split your funded hours between us and another setting.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! Funded sessions are completely free to attend.

The funding covers basic care and education only. It does NOT cover food, resources, nappies, wipes, extra events etc.

We can provide a healthy snack for £1 per session. If you prefer, you can provide your own snack for each session, which should be healthy and in a named container.

We ask for a £10 voluntary contribution per term per family to cover things like paint, paper, glue, playdough ingredients, etc.

How do I get the funded hours?

That depends on the funding type....

For Universal Entitlement (15 hours for all 3 to 4 year olds), we will give you a form to fill out. There is nothing else for you to do.

For Working Families (30 hours childcare), you MUST check your eligibility and apply online. If you are eligible, you will get a 11 digit code (e.g. 50123456789). You will have to log in to your online government childcare account every 3 months to re-confirm your eligibility.

For Supported Families (15 hours Early Learning for 2 year olds), you MUST apply via Hertfordshire County Council website. If you are eligible, you will get a 8 digit code starting with your child's initials (e.g. RP123456)

In ALL cases, you will need to complete a funding form for us to claim the funding for you.

When are the application deadlines?

For 30 hours, you MUST apply by the following deadlines:

31st August to get your funding from 1st September
31st December to get your funding from 1st January
31st march to get your funding from 1st April

These are the governments deadlines and they are very strict, if you miss the deadline you will have to wait for the next term to get your funding.

For supported two year olds, the funding will start the term AFTER your child's 2nd birthday, or the date of application, whichever is later.

For Universal Entitlement, the funding will start the term AFTER your child's 3rd birthday.