Free Childcare in Northampton

At The Old Rectory Day Nursery in Northampton, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for your little ones. We’re thrilled to share the latest updates on government-funded childcare that will help support families in our community. Whether you’re returning to work after parental leave or looking for flexible childcare options, here’s what you need to know about the new funding opportunities available for children as young as 9 months.

Exciting New Changes For 2024 & 2025

The government is expanding childcare funding to include even younger children, providing greater flexibility and support for working families:

  • From April 2024: Working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week. Applications for this expanded offer opened on January 2, 2024.
  • From September 2024: 15 hours of government-funded childcare will be extended to all children from the age of 9 months, ensuring that even more families can benefit from early childcare support.
  • From September 2025: Working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours of government-funded childcare per week, significantly reducing childcare costs for many families.

Applying for Government-Funded Childcare

For 3-4 Year Olds

If your child is three or four years old, The Old Rectory Day Nursery will handle the application for 15 hours of free childcare. You’ll just need to provide your child’s birth certificate and sign a declaration form. If you’re eligible for 30 hours, you’ll need to complete an online application, after which you’ll receive a code to share with us.

For 2-Year-Olds

Parents of two-year-olds eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare can apply online through the Childcare Choices website. We recommend applying between mid-January and the end of February to avoid the need to reconfirm eligibility before starting.

When to Apply for Funding

Applying for Funded Childcare in Advance

We encourage parents to apply for government-funded childcare well in advance to ensure timely access to your funding code. The best time to apply depends on your child’s birthday and your planned start date. Applying early is crucial, as delays in submitting your application can result in a delay in receiving your funding, which may impact your ability to start childcare on your preferred date.

Securing Your Child’s Place 

For parents of two-year-olds, we recommend applying between mid-January and the end of February to ensure a smooth process and to avoid any interruptions in funding. By applying as soon as possible, you can help secure your child’s place and ensure that your funding is in place when you need it.

Why Choose Old Rectory Day Nursery in Northampton?

At Old Rectory Day Nursery, we offer a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can thrive. With these new government-funded childcare options, we’re here to support Northampton families, offering flexible and affordable childcare solutions tailored to your needs.

For more information or to discuss your childcare options, please get in touch with us. Let us help you navigate these exciting new changes and find the best childcare solution for your family.