All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week, 38 weeks per year.
– Available at all three Dream Nest settings
– No eligibility criteria — universal entitlement
– Can be spread across the week flexibly
– Applies from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday
Eligible working families with 3 & 4 year olds can access 30 hours of free childcare per week — doubling the universal entitlement.
– For families where both parents earn above minimum wage
– Apply via the gov.uk Childcare Choices portal
– Requires a valid eligibility code before your place starts
– Reviewed every 3 months — keep your code updated
Also available: 15 hours free childcare for eligible 2 year olds, and from September 2024 the government is expanding funded hours to children aged 9 months and over for working families. Ask us about the latest entitlements at your visit.
Current hourly rates are provided at enquiry. Fees are reviewed annually. Last reviewed April 2025.
Know a family who would love The Dream Nest? When you refer a new family who enrols and stays for 3 months, both you and the new family receive £150 off your fees. It’s our way of thanking you for being part of our community.
Apply via the government’s Childcare Choices website at childcarechoices.gov.uk. You’ll need a National Insurance number and details of your employment. Once approved, you’ll receive an eligibility code to share with us before your child’s place starts.
Funded hours begin from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday (or 2nd birthday for eligible 2-year-olds). Terms run from September, January, and April. So a child turning 3 in December would begin funded hours in January.
No — we currently have no registration fee. A deposit is required to secure your child’s place, which is offset against future fees once your child has been with us for a period.
All meals, snacks, nappies (for babies), and core learning resources are included. We communicate clearly about any optional extras such as trips or special activities before any cost is incurred.
Yes — we accept Tax-Free Childcare payments. For every £8 you pay into your account, the government adds £2, up to £500 per quarter (£2,000 per year). This can be used alongside funded hours.
All dietary requirements, allergies, and medical needs are documented before your child starts and accommodated fully within our kitchen and meal preparation. We take this extremely seriously and review it regularly.