We offer flexible childcare hours to support our families, including access to funded nursery places. 

Southey Tots (2-3 Year olds)

  • Morning Session - 8.45 - 11.45
  • Afternoon Session - 12.30 - 3.30

We are a 16 place nursery with 4 members of staff on site each day. We offer 15 hours free nursery provision for your child the term after their second birthday until the term after their third birthday. Children will then transition into our older nursery setting.

Southey Nursery (3-4 Year olds)

  • Morning Session - 8.30-11.30
  • Afternoon Session - 12.15-3.15
  • All day session - 8.30-2:30
  • Two and a half days Mon-Wed/Wed-Fri are also available 

Children can attend half-day or full-day sessions depending on what works best for your family.

Funding

We provide places that be covered using government funded childcare hours. These hours can be used flexibly across our sessions, including morning, afternoon, or full-day options. 

If you need help understanding how your funding can be used, we're happy to guide you.

Most families are eligible for 15 hours of free early education for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds. Some working families may also qualify for 30 funded hours. If your child is 2 years old, you may qualify for funded hours depending on your circumstances.

Yes. Funded hours can be used across morning, afternoon, or full‑day sessions. We will help you plan your hours to best suit your childcare needs.

Absolutely. Many children attend a mixture of funded and paid hours. Any additional hours beyond your allocation will be charged at our standard rate.

15 Hours Funding

  • 2 year-olds: You must apply for this funding
  • 3 year-olds: This funding is automatic so you do not need to apply 

30 Hours Funding

  • You must apply for 30 hours funding for all eligible age groups

Applications are made through the government website. Once you receive your eligibility code please provide it to us. 

How To Apply: 

To qualify, you must:

  • Live in England
  • Be in paid work (including self‑employed)
  • Earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at minimum wage
  • Each earning under £100,000 per year.

You apply through the GOV.UK childcare account:  Free Childcare for Working Parents: Apply for free childcare - GOV.UK

During the application, HMRC will also automatically check if you can get Tax‑Free Childcare at the same time.

Information you will need

Have the following ready:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your partner’s details (if you have one)
  • Child’s UK birth certificate reference number (if available)
  • Your employment start date (approximate is fine)

If approved, you will get an 11‑digit eligibility code.

You MUST give this to us along with:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your child’s date of birth

We will then confirm your place if spaces are available.

You need to apply before the start of the term in which your child will begin with us, and you must have your code ready before your child’s first funded term.

Term‑based deadlines

Apply before:

  • 31 March for a Summer term start (April)
  • 31 August for an Autumn term start (September)
  • 31 December for a Spring term start (January)

Your code is not permanent — you must reconfirm your eligibility every three months through your childcare account, even if your child hasn’t started using the hours yet.

You will receive reminders from HMRC. Missing reconfirmation may temporarily affect your funded place.

Even while waiting for your code, let us know you intend to claim 30 funded hours so we can hold or plan your place.

If your circumstances change, your funding may continue for a short “grace period.” We will support you in understanding what this means and what options you have.

Our school office and nursery team are happy to explain how funding works and help you maximise your child’s hours.