Childcare Funding in Wandsworth: What Parents Need to Know

Funding questions come up almost every week at Little Starlings. Parents arrive for a show-around curious about what help is available, often unsure whether they qualify or how the different entitlements actually work. So I wanted to write something straightforward that covers the key points, without the jargon.

The Two Main Entitlements

There are two separate funding streams, and it helps to understand them clearly because they work differently.

Universal 15 Hours

Every three and four year old in England is entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks of the year. This one has no conditions attached. It doesn't matter whether you work, what you earn, or whether you're a couple or a single parent. If your child is three or four, the entitlement is there.

At Little Starlings, we accept this funding, and we're happy to walk you through how it applies to your child's sessions when you visit.

30 Hours for Eligible Working Families

This is where things get a little more detailed. Working families who meet the eligibility criteria can access up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare, also over 38 weeks.

Since September 2025, this extended entitlement covers children from 9 months old, not just three and four year olds. That's a significant change, and one I know many families in Balham and the wider Wandsworth area weren't aware of when it came in.

To qualify, the broad requirements are:

• Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be working at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Living Wage
• Neither parent can individually earn over £100,000 adjusted net income

The minimum earnings figure can shift each April when the National Living Wage changes, so rather than quoting a specific number here, I'd encourage you to check your exact eligibility at Childcare Choices. It takes about five minutes and gives you a clear answer.

What Funding Covers (and What It Doesn't)

This is something worth being honest about. Funded hours cover the core childcare session, but providers are permitted to charge separately for things like meals, consumables, and additional hours beyond the funded allocation.

At Little Starlings we're transparent about this. When you visit, we'll show you exactly how funding applies to your child's place and what the fees look like alongside it. Our fees and funding page covers the detail if you want to look ahead of a visit.

One thing we always mention: children at Little Starlings attend a minimum of two sessions per week. This isn't just an admin requirement. In our experience, children who come in regularly settle more quickly, build stronger friendships, and feel genuinely part of the nursery. The funded hours often support families in meeting this naturally.

Applying for Your Code

To access the 30 hours entitlement, you'll need to apply through the government's Childcare Choices service and receive a code. This code then gets shared with your nursery.

A few practical points:

• Apply before your child's term starts, not on the first day
• Codes need to be renewed every three months
• If your circumstances change (income goes up or employment status changes), it's worth rechecking your eligibility promptly

For the universal 15 hours, no application code is needed. Your nursery simply registers the place.

Common Questions We Hear

Parents in Balham, Tooting, Clapham South and across Wandsworth often ask us similar things. A few worth addressing:

"Can I split my hours across different providers?" Yes, in most cases. You can use funded hours at more than one setting, as long as the total doesn't exceed your entitlement.

"What if my child starts mid-term?" Funding is usually applied on a pro-rata basis. We'll help you work out what that looks like for your child's start date.

"My child is 18 months. Does any funding apply to us now?" If you're an eligible working family, yes. Since September 2025 the 30 hours entitlement runs from 9 months, so it's worth checking your eligibility sooner rather than waiting until your child turns three.

How We Help at Little Starlings

We try to make the funding side of things as clear as possible. I know it can feel complicated from the outside, but once you understand the two separate entitlements and how the code process works, it tends to click quite quickly.

If you're unsure where to start, the best thing to do is come in. We can talk through your child's age, your circumstances, and how funding could apply to a place here. You'll also get to see the nursery properly, meet the team, and get a feel for whether it's the right fit.

You're welcome to book a show-around at a time that suits you. We'd love to meet you and your little one.