What is government-funded childcare?
The government funds a set number of hours of early education each week for eligible children. This funding is paid directly to the nursery, reducing the amount you pay. In some cases — particularly for 3 and 4-year-olds — it can cover all of your core session fees during term time.
JLK Lewisham accepts all current government funded entitlements. We handle the paperwork once you provide your code — you simply enjoy the savings.
How many hours is your child entitled to?
For eligible working families. Both parents (or sole parent) must earn the equivalent of 16 hrs at National Minimum Wage per week.
For families receiving certain benefits or where the child is looked after, adopted or has an EHCP.
All 3 and 4-year-olds get 15 hrs. Working families can access up to 30 hrs per week (term time).
How to claim your funded hours
Claiming is straightforward:
- Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to check your eligibility
- Apply through your Government Gateway (HMRC) account
- You will receive an 11-digit code — valid for 3 months
- Share the code with JLK Lewisham at registration or before your term starts
- Renew your code every 3 months to keep the funding active
⚠️ Apply early. Codes can take up to a week to be confirmed. If your code isn't active before the term starts, you may miss that term's funding.
What funding looks like at JLK Lewisham
Funded hours are term-time only (approximately 38 weeks per year). During term time, your funded hours are deducted from your weekly invoice. If you attend on additional hours beyond your entitlement, or during school holiday weeks, the standard session rate applies.
JLK Lewisham's standard rates are £72/day (full day) and £50/half day for all ages. Use our fee calculator to estimate your monthly cost after funding.
Additional charges with funded hours
If your child attends funded hours only (i.e. no additional paid sessions), a small food charge applies for meals taken during those sessions:
- Breakfast: £2
- Snack: £2
- Lunch: £4.50
- Tea: £4
These charges do not apply to children attending on paid sessions alongside their funded hours.
Tax-Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) is a separate scheme — it doesn't affect your funded hours entitlement and can be used alongside it. For every £8 you put into your TFC account, the government adds £2 (up to £500 per child per quarter, or £1,000 for disabled children).
TFC can be used to pay the portion of fees not covered by your funded hours — for example, additional hours, holiday sessions or meal charges. Apply through your Government Gateway account. More details at gov.uk/tax-free-childcare.
Questions about your entitlement?
Our team at JLK Lewisham are happy to help you work out what you're entitled to and how to apply. Book a tour and we'll talk you through it in person.