9-Month Funding at First Steps Nursery
Great news for families—from September 2025, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months and older can now access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. At First Steps Nursery, we offer a flexible and enriching way to use this funding, tailored to meet your child’s needs and your family’s routine.
Important Update for First Steps Families
At First Steps Nursery, we spread the government funding across the full year, meaning you can access 20 hours of funded childcare per week over 2 days on a stretched basis. This helps maintain consistency for your child and supports working parents year-round.
Full-Day Sessions That Fit Your Life
We offer full-day sessions from 7:30am to 6:00pm, giving you the flexibility to balance work and family life. Whether you need care for a few days a week or a full schedule, our team will help you make the most of your funded hours.
What’s Included in Our Fully Inclusive Fee?
On funded days, First Steps Nursery applies a fully inclusive fee that covers all the extras we provide beyond the government’s basic funding. This includes:
🧸 High-quality resources and learning materials
🍽️ Nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day
🎨 Enrichment activities like music, movement, and sensory play
🧼 Essentials such as nappies, wipes, and sun cream
💬 Regular updates and progress reports via our parent app
This ensures your child receives the very best care and education, without hidden costs or compromises.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the 9-month funding, parents must:
Be working (including self-employed) and earning at least £8,670 per year (per parent)
Each parent must earn less than £100,000 annually
Apply through the government’s Childcare Choices portal
How to Apply
Visit Childcare Choices
Check your eligibility and apply for a childcare account
Receive your code and share it with our team at First Steps Nursery
We’ll guide you through the rest!
Why Choose First Steps Nursery?
👶 Expert care for babies and toddlers in a nurturing environment
📚 Learning through play to support early development
🧑🤝🧑 Warm, experienced staff who build strong bonds with children
🏡 A safe, welcoming setting where children thrive
Final Thoughts
This funding is a fantastic opportunity to give your child a strong start while easing the cost of childcare. At First Steps Nursery, we’re here to make the process simple and rewarding—for you and your little one.
For more information and to book a visit, contact us today!
Meet the Team…….
This month, we’re delighted to introduce Chloe—our wonderful Nursery Administrator and the go-to person for all things funding (and so much more!). Chloe has been part of the First Steps family for 7 years and brings a wealth of experience, both professionally and personally. As a proud mum of two First Steps graduates, she understands our nursery from every angle. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys long walks with her beloved dog Milo and cherishes time spent with her family. If you give us a call, chances are Chloe will be the friendly voice on the other end of the phone, ready to help with anything you need.
