Childcare Funding Options
All eligible children can now access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. Download our guide today.
What’s included:
Helping every child to have a healthy, happy start and enabling them to thrive.
Making a difference to each child, every day.
Food for fuel, fun and nourishing minds.
No need to worry - we’ve got you covered.
Childcare Funding Made Simple
We know every family’s childcare journey looks different, and understanding your funding options shouldn’t be another thing to worry about. Whether you’re a new parent exploring options for the first time or your child is already part of our nursery family, help is available.
Alongside our all‑inclusive Bright Bundle, which covers exceptional care, early learning, nutritious meals and essential items, there’s a range of government‑backed funding schemes that could help make childcare more affordable for your family. Each funding route has its own eligibility and application process, so we’re here to help you understand what’s available and how it applies to you.
Discover what support is available for your family
30 Hours Funding in England
Bright Horizons offers up to 30 hours of funded childcare for eligible families. From September 2025, all eligible children aged from 9 months to school age will receive 30 hours of funded childcare a week, which adds up to 1,140 funded hours per year!
1140 Hours Funding in Scotland
If your child is 3 or 4 years old, you may be eligible for up to 1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare each year. These funded hours are completely free to eligible families and provided by the Scottish Government.
15 Hours Funding in England
In England, families can access two government-funded schemes that provide 15 hours of free early education each week for children aged two, three, and four.
Tax-Free Childcare
For every £8 you pay in, the government adds an extra £2. It’s a simple way to make your childcare budget go further.
Childcare Vouchers
If you enrolled in either of these schemes on or before 4 October 2018, you can continue to use your childcare vouchers to support your payments with us.
EYPP
The Early Years Pupil Premium is extra funding that nurseries can receive to help support your child’s learning and development.
Watch & Learn
The UK government offers a range of funded childcare schemes to support families with children in nursery – and we’ll help you navigate them.
From government-funded hours to tax-free childcare, this video explains what’s covered by your fees, funding and how to apply.
*if your child attends an employer sponsored nursery funding details may vary. if you'd like more information, please speak to your nursery manager.
Funding Made Simple: Guidance from Our Funding Manager
- Funding Top Tips
- What is the criteria for funding?
- What types of funding are available?
- What if I miss the funding deadline?
- Universal funding and how we can help
- Term dates and when to apply
Want to talk to someone about funding? Book a tour at your local nursery or give us a call – we’re here to help.
Curious about costs? Use our Nursery Fee Calculator
Find your nearest Bright Horizons nursery, and estimate your basic fees (before funding) in minutes.
Download our guides
Whether you’re exploring nursery options or already part of our Bright Horizons community, our helpful funding guides are here to support you. Discover everything you need to know about funding your childcare — including government-funded hours, tax-free childcare, childcare vouchers, and key dates to keep in mind. We’ve made it easy to understand what support is available and how it can work for your family.
Are you a current Bright Horizons parent?
You might be entitled to more funding than you think, especially as your child grows with us!
Speak to your Nursery Manager today to find out more.
Still have questions?
Come and explore our nursery. We’ll guide you through everything, from fees and funding to what’s included, and answer all your questions to help you find the best option for your family.
*a very small number of nurseries are not able to provide an all inclusive offer, please speak to directly to the nursery manager.
