Funded Childcare

At Sunny Days, we’re proud to offer all government-funded childcare entitlements – helping families access high-quality care and early education for their children. Eligible families can receive up to 1,140 hours of funded childcare throughout the year. We can offer this during term time, or you can stretch your funding with us to cover bookings across the year.

Our team will guide you through the process, making it simple and straightforward from start to finish.

Child holding sunshine craft
How to Apply

30 Hours Funding for Working Parents

If you are a working parent, you will need to obtain an eligibility code by the January, April, or September before your start date.

If your child turns the relevant funding age betweenTheir funding can begin from:You will need to apply for an eligibility code by:
1st January - 31st MarchThe term starting April 1st until the statutory
school age of 5
31st March
1st April – 31st AugustThe term starting September 1st until the
statutory school age of 5
31st August
1st September - 31st DecemberThe term starting January 1st until the statutory school age of 531st December

Your eligibility is based on your working status, household income or other criteria – we recommend checking the below websites to learn more about your funding eligibility and other childcare support:

GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/get-childcare 

Best Start in Life: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/eligibility-checker

15 Hours Funding for Eligible Families

All 3 and 4 year-olds are automatically eligible for up to 570 hours of funding per year. This can begin from the term after they turn 3.

If your child is 2 years old and receives additional support, you may be eligible for funding through your Local Authority. This can begin the term after your child turns 2. You can apply for this type of funding code using the relevant link below:

Dorset Council: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/funded-childcare-for-2-year-olds

Devon County Council: https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/early-years-and-childcare/help-with-paying-for-childcare/2-year-old-funding/ 

BCP Council: https://www.fid.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/family-information-directory/information/childcare/childcare-funding-information/two-year-old-funding/two-year-olds-from-families-receiving-certain-benefits

What does Funding cover?

Funded hours cover the core elements of childcare – the essentials that ensure every child is safe, happy, and supported in a nurturing environment.

This includes:

  • A secure, stimulating learning environment
  • Qualified early years educator
  • Access to age-appropriate resources and activities
  • Safeguarding and welfare standards set out in the EYFS

At Sunny Days, we use this funding to provide the highest standard of early education, following all statutory requirements for health, safety, and wellbeing. Families can choose to use their funding entitlement with us at no additional cost.

Additional Costs

We’re committed to going above and beyond the basic funding provision to give children the very best start.

Our consumables charges help us maintain the exceptional quality and experiences that make Sunny Days special. This includes freshly prepared meals, personal care, and additional experiences beyond the core government-funded provision.

*Broadstone’s food costs are 50% of the ones displayed in the table.

You can choose to opt out of any consumables on a termly basis. Exact items provided can vary based on nursery location – please see your setting’s Consumables Package for further information.

Food:

  • Breakfast
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Milk/Formula

Personal Care:

  • Nappies
  • Nappy/Sun Creams
  • Wipes
  • Non-Prescription Paracetamol

Enhanced Resources:

  • Special Arts & Crafts Resources
  • Extracurricular Activities (e.g. Music, Cooking, Forest School)
  • Annual Events, Trips and Community Projects
  • Smart Tables
  • Blossom App Access

Sibling Discount

If you’ve got a family of little ones, you can enjoy
a 5% sibling discount, applicable to the eldest child.

NHS Discount

Do you work for the Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust? You can enjoy a 10% NHS discount off any unfunded hours.

Refer a friend

Introduce a friend to us and we’ll say thank you by adding a credit to your child’s account.