We understand that childcare funding can sometimes feel a little complicated! At Bewdley Primary School Nursery, we want to make things as straightforward as possible, helping families understand the funded hours available to them and any additional costs. We offer funded Nursery places alongside optional paid sessions, providing flexibility to suit the needs of our families.

Funded Nursery Places

There are several government-funded childcare schemes available to families in England.

15 Hours for All Three- and Four-Year-Olds All children aged three and four are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education each week, for 38 weeks of the year, beginning the term after their third birthday. There is no requirement for parents to be working to access this universal entitlement.	Up to 30 Hours for Eligible Working Families Eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week, for 38 weeks of the year. This entitlement is available from the term after a child reaches nine months old, meaning eligible two-, three- and four-year-olds can benefit. Parents must meet the government's eligibility criteria and apply for a childcare funding code.
Additional Support for Some Two-Year-Olds Some two-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours of funded early education through a separate scheme for families receiving additional support. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

Find out more about funded childcare:

Worcestershire County Council – Funded Childcare

Government – Free Childcare for Working Parents

Applying for Funded Hours

If you are applying for the working-parent childcare entitlement, you will need to check your eligibility and apply through the government's childcare service. If eligible, you will receive an 11-digit childcare code, which you should share with our Nursery team so that your funded hours can be arranged. Parents receiving the working-parent entitlement must reconfirm their eligibility every three months, even if their circumstances have not changed. Funded hours normally begin at the start of the term after the relevant age and eligibility requirements have been met.

Apply for Working-Parent Childcare Funding

Sign In to Your Childcare Account

If you are unsure which funding you may be entitled to, please get in touch. Our Nursery team will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Our Nursery Fees 2026–2027

Funded Nursery hours are provided free of charge. Families may also request additional paid sessions, subject to availability.

Our charges for hours not covered by government funding are:

Age group	Hourly rate	Three-hour session
Two-year-olds	£7.67	£23.01
Three- and four-year-olds	£5.68	£17.04

These rates apply from 1 September 2026.

When Your Child Turns Three

Our age-related charging arrangements follow the government's funding term dates.

If your child turns three during a term, the three- and four-year-old hourly rate will apply from the beginning of the following funding term. Until then, the two-year-old hourly rate continues to apply to any privately paid hours.

Early Morning Sessions

An additional early morning session is available from 8:30am to 9:00am, charged at £2.50 per session. Please visit our Nursery Life page for full details of our session times and daily arrangements.

Snacks and Activities

We provide a variety of healthy snacks and enjoyable food-related activities as part of Nursery life. We invite families to make a voluntary contribution of just 50p per day to help towards the cost of these experiences.

This contribution is entirely voluntary and every child enjoys the same snacks and activities, regardless of whether their family contributes. We are incredibly grateful for the support of families who are able to contribute as it helps us continue providing these lovely experiences for everyone.

Additional Sessions and Payments

Families can request additional Nursery sessions beyond their funded entitlement, subject to availability and staffing arrangements. Additional paid sessions are invoiced half-termly, with funded hours and optional charges clearly itemised.

Where a child attends Nursery using a combination of funded and paid hours, we will explain the arrangements and any charges that apply. Funded childcare hours may also be shared between eligible providers, subject to the relevant funding rules.

If you have any questions about your invoice or experience difficulties making a payment, please contact our Nursery team so that we can discuss the available options.

Other Help with Childcare Costs

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for additional financial support towards childcare costs. This could include Tax-Free Childcare, help through Universal Credit or other government support. Tax-Free Childcare can be used towards eligible childcare costs that are not covered by funded hours.

Find Out About Tax-Free Childcare

Explore Help with Childcare Costs

We're Here to Help!

We know that funding arrangements can sometimes be confusing, particularly when your child's age or your family's circumstances change. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have questions about funded hours, additional sessions, fees or payments.

Bewdley Primary School Nursery

Telephone: 01299 403796

Email: nursery@bewdleyprimary.worcs.sch.uk

We're always happy to help you explore the options available for your child.