Funding help
Funded 15 and 30 hour childcare places in Crewe
We accept all government-funded childcare schemes and Tax-Free Childcare. We'll help you understand what you're entitled to and how to claim it.
Everything about free childcare hours in Crewe: the 15 and 30 hour entitlements, funding from 9 months for working parents, 2 year old funding, Tax-Free Childcare and how to apply. For session prices, see our fees page.
Apply for funding15 hours funded childcare
For all 3 and 4 year olds
Every child in England is entitled to 570 hours of free childcare per year from the term after their third birthday. We offer these hours as morning or afternoon sessions at Underwood Lane, or stretched across the year at Stewart Street.
30 hours funded childcare
For working families
Eligible working parents of 3 and 4 year olds can claim up to 1,140 hours per year. At Underwood Lane this covers a 9am – 3pm day; at Stewart Street we can stretch the funding across our full 48-week opening year.
Funded hours from 9 months old
For working parents
If you (and your partner, if you have one) are in work and meet the earnings rules, you can claim 30 hours of funded childcare a week for 38 weeks of the year, from the term after your child turns 9 months old until they start school. You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. We can stretch funded hours across more weeks, so tell us the pattern you need.
2 year old funding
For families who need extra support
Some 2 year olds qualify for funded early education if families meet certain criteria. This gives younger children a gentle introduction to nursery life and helps them build confidence before their third birthday.
Tax-Free Childcare
Save up to £2,000 per child, per year
For every 80p you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds 20p. It can be used alongside funded hours to pay for extra sessions and consumables. Meals and snacks are provided at Stewart Street only.
How to apply
The application process is straightforward, but the deadlines matter. Apply before the end of the term before your child becomes eligible so the funding starts on time.
Check what you can get
Use the government's childcare calculator to see whether you qualify for 15 hours, 30 hours, Tax-Free Childcare, or a combination.
Apply online
Apply through the government's Best Start in Life website. You'll receive a unique 11-digit code to give to your nursery.
Confirm with us
Bring your code to Smart Start and we'll set up your funded hours, explain any extra charges, and agree your child's sessions.
Tax-Free Childcare explained
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that pays £2 for every £8 you pay into a childcare account, up to £2,000 per child each year (or £4,000 for a disabled child).
- •Use it for children up to 11 years old (16 if disabled)
- •Works alongside funded hours to pay for extra sessions
- •Both parents must be working (or one in a single-parent household)
- •You reconfirm your details every three months
Ask us about funding
Tell us which funding type you're interested in and which nursery you prefer. We'll explain your options and help you work out the cheapest way to pay.
Not sure what you're entitled to?
Every family's situation is different. We'll talk you through funded hours, Tax-Free Childcare, stretched funding and our session fees so you know exactly where you stand.