Funding
Funded early education places available
We accept 15 & 30 hour funded places. Here’s an overview of the main schemes and how to apply. We’re always happy to talk it through with you.
Funded childcare
Who may be able to get funded hours?
Funded hours are paid for by the government and used at registered childcare settings like ours. They’re usually based on 38 weeks a year.
15 hours a week
3 and 4 year olds
Every 3 and 4 year old in England is entitled to 15 hours a week of funded early education, usually from the term after their third birthday.
Universal entitlement
15 hours a week
Some 2 year olds
Families who receive certain kinds of support may be able to get 15 hours a week for their 2 year old. This is checked and approved by Bolton Council.
Check with Bolton Council
30 hours a week
Eligible working families
Working parents who meet the government’s criteria may be able to get up to 30 hours a week for children from 9 months old until they start school.
Check on Childcare Choices
This is a general guide only. Eligibility depends on your child’s age and your family’s circumstances, is decided by the government and the local council, and the rules can change. Please check the latest onChildcare Choices or withBolton Council.
How to apply
Using funded hours with us
Check your eligibility
Use the eligibility checker on Childcare Choices, or contact Bolton Council about 2 year old funding.
Apply and get your code
If you’re eligible for working-family hours, you’ll receive a code. Councils handle 2 year old funding directly.
Talk to us
Share your code and your child’s details. We’ll check availability and explain how your hours could work at Little Cubs.
Keep it up to date
Working-family codes need reconfirming every three months in your childcare account so they stay valid.
Fees & availability
Please contact us for more information about fees, availability and your individual requirements.
Questions
Common questions
How much are your fees?
Please contact us for more information about fees and availability. We’ll talk through your child’s age, the days and times you need, and any funded hours, and give you clear information for your family.
Can my child definitely get funded hours?
Eligibility is decided by the government and Bolton Council, and depends on your child’s age and your family’s circumstances. We can point you in the right direction, but we can’t confirm eligibility ourselves.
When can my child start using funded hours?
Usually from the start of the term after your child reaches the eligible age and you have a valid code. Terms begin in January, April and September.
Can I add paid hours on top of funded hours?
Many families combine funded hours with additional paid sessions. Get in touch and we’ll talk through the options and availability for your child.
Is funding available for Big Cubs Club?
Funded early education is for children who haven’t started school yet. Breakfast, after-school and holiday care for school-age children isn’t covered. Please contact us for more information.
Not sure what you’re entitled to?
Book a visit or send us a message. We’ll explain how funded hours work at Little Cubs and help you find the right information for your family.
Monday–Saturday, 7am–7pm