Nursery Funding & Tax-Free Childcare at Blackberries Childcare Group
At Blackberries Childcare Group, we aim to make childcare clear, consistent, and stress-free for families.
We operate on a 51-week funding model, delivering government-funded hours consistently across the week, so you and your child get the most from your entitlement:
- 22 hours per week for extended funding
- 11 hours per week for universal funding
Important: We are not a term-time only provision. Our standard terms and conditions apply year-round.
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How Funded Childcare Works
- Funded hours are delivered within our session packages and spread across the week to fit your family’s needs
- Children attend a minimum of 3 sessions per week
- Under-3s cannot attend term-time only sessions, and for over-3s, term-time only places are limited due to staff-to-child ratios
- We call it funded childcare, not free childcare, to reflect that the government contributes toward fees
What We Include in Your Funding
At Blackberries Childcare Group, your funded hours cover everything essential for your child’s nursery day:
- Core curriculum and enrichment activities; including forest school, play, structured learning, and creative sessions
- Access to our nursery app for parents, keeping you connected and informed
- Resources and materials for all activities are included at no extra cost
- Free breakfast from 07:30–08:30
- Free snacks twice a day
NB: You can access all Nursery Forms Via our Online Parent Forms section on our website
Important:
- Parents provide all intimate care items, including nappies, wipes, and nappy creams
- Meals (hot lunch/tea) are optional and can be added if you choose
All included elements are provided free at the point of delivery, so your funded hours are maximised without hidden charges.
Optional Extras
You can choose to pay for:
- Meals (hot lunch/tea)
- Additional private hours or sessions beyond your funded entitlement
- Bolt-on services such as early drop-off or late collection
All optional services are completely voluntary and are clearly itemised in our fees and invoices.
Funded Childcare Options
30 Hours Childcare for Eligible Working Families
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Who it's for
- This scheme is for qualifying working parents for Children aged 9 months to 4 years
Eligible families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, spread over 51 weeks (22 hours per week).
Eligibility
- Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be working
- Each parent earns at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16+ hours per week
- Household income under £100,000 per year
How To Apply
- Apply via the Best Start in Life website for your eligibility code
- Provide your code to your chosen Blackberries Childcare Group nursery
- Complete a Nursery Funding Declaration for your Local Authority
Funded Childcare Options
15 Hours Early Learning for Families Receiving Additional Support
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Who it's for
Eligible two-year-olds.
Provides 15 hours per week of funded early education, spread over 51 weeks (11 hours per week).
Eligibility
- Families receiving certain benefits (Income Support, Universal Credit under £15,400/year, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit under £16,190/year, etc.)
- Children looked after by a local authority, with an EHC plan, receiving Disability Living Allowance, or leaving care under specific orders
How To Apply
Contact your local council or use the Best Start in Life website
Funded Childcare Options
Universal 15 Hours Funding for Every 3-Year-Old
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Who it's for
Every child in England when they turn 3 years old.
Eligibility
All three-year-olds automatically receive 15 hours of funded early education per week, spread across 51 weeks (11 hours per week).
How To Apply
No application is needed, though a Nursery Funding Declaration is required for your Local Authority.
Universal Credit Childcare Support
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Who it's for
Working families claiming Universal Credit.
Covers up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, max £1,015 per month for one child, £1,739 for two or more
Eligibility
- Parents must be working and claiming Universal Credit
- Childcare provider must be registered and approved
How To Apply
Report your childcare costs monthly to Universal Credit for reimbursement
Tax-Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare helps working families save on childcare costs and can be used alongside some government-funded schemes, including 30 hours, to cover extra hours or sessions.
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How it works
- For every £8 you pay, the government adds £2 (20% top-up)
- Maximum top-up: £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for children with disabilities)
- Funds can be used to pay registered childcare providers like Blackberries Childcare Group
Eligibility
- Live in England
- You (and your partner, if you have one) are working
- Each parent earns at least £142/week (16 hours at National Minimum Wage) and less than £100,000/year
- Child under 12 (or 17 if disabled)
How To Apply
- Visit Tax-Free Childcare
- Create an online childcare account
- Verify your eligibility
- Pay into your account (government adds 20%)
- Use the funds to pay your nursery directly
Benefits
- Save up to £500 per child per year (£1,000 for children with disabilities)
- Can be used alongside 30 hours funded childcare to cover additional sessions
- Funds are paid directly to the nursery, making payments simple and convenient
How We Deliver Funded Childcare
At Blackberries Childcare Group, we call it funded childcare, not free childcare, to reflect that the government contributes to fees.
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How it works
- Funded hours are delivered on a stretched basis across 51 weeks per year
- Children attend a minimum of 3 sessions per week
What's Included
- Breakfast (07:30–08:30)
- Snacks twice a day
- Forest school sessions
- Play, learning, and enrichment activities
- Nursery app access
Parents may choose additional sessions or flexible packages to suit their commitments. Please refer to our fee structure sheet for full session options.
Meals are optional; if parents provide packed lunches, our home-prepared food policy and monthly lunchbox questionnaire apply.
Want to get an estimate cost for your childcare? Please click on the Fee Calculator button and fill out the form. If you wish to get a better understanding of our fees, please click on the Download Fee Structure button and complete the form.
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Want More Information?
If you are interested in what Blackberries Childcare Group can offer for your child or just want some more information, please click the button to be redirected to the enquiries form. Please complete and submit the form.
