Early Learning for 2 year olds - Term time only

Children are entitled to up to 15 hours per week childcare for 38 weeks of the year (school term) from the term after their third birthday, as follows:

Funded Early Education term times 2026/2027            

Autumn               07/09-16/10  &  02/11-18/12

Spring                   04/01-12/02  &  22/02-26/03

Summer               12/04-28/05  &  07/06-23/07

The Expanded Offer

The Expanded Offer from September 2025 Eligible working parents of children from 9 months to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week. Funding comes into effect the term after eligibility date.

Depending on your provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year (during school term time), or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer hours than your total hours per week. Epsom Downs Day Nursery does not offer stretched funding.

Information on eligibility and how to apply can be found at https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/

Paperwork

Before your child can attend funded sessions, we require a completed FEE Declaration form (available from Day Nursery admin) in addition to site of child's birth certificate or passport.)

More Information

For advice and support for your child’s development, please see the Governments Best Start in Life Hub.