Funding
The Beehive Day Nursery works with Somerset’s Local Authority, and in line with the Code of Practice, to offer the Early Years Entitlement funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
All children are entitled to 570 hours of Early Years Entitlement (EYE) funding per year, starting from the period (January, April or September) following their 3rd birthday.
The Beehive is an all-year-round provider, operating for 51 weeks of the year and stretches the funding to enable you to claim funding all year round. Parents are able to claim 11.18 hours per week.
You may be eligible to claim up to 1140 hours of funding per year (30 hours) dependent on a strict eligibility criteria. Under these circumstances, parents are able to claim up to 22.35 hours per week.
Both the 15 and 30 hours are based upon a child attending a term-time only setting that is open for 38 weeks of the year. Please note, we do not offer term-time only provision.
We require children to attend a minimum of 3 sessions/1.5 days per week. Any additional hours will be charged at the normal rate.
| If your child is born between: | Funding can be claimed from: |
| 1st April – 31st August | September following their third birthday |
| 1st September – 31st December | January following their third birthday |
| 1st January – 31st March | April following their third birthday |
When will my child be entitled to funding?
All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to 570 hours (15 hours) of funding per year from the period following their third birthday (see table above). Some 2 year old children are also entitled to this funding.
Do you offer the 30 hours?
Yes, we offer the 30 hours funded childcare. Parents need to apply online via the Government website the term prior to funding starting. For example, if your child turns 3 in February, you need to apply for the 30 hours and provide the unique 11 digit code, if eligible, before the end of March. This funding would start from April. Funding is stretched throughout the year and therefore a maximum of 22.35 hours can be claimed per week.
What is the difference between Universal and Extended funded hours?
The ‘universal’ hours represent the non-means tested 11.18 hours (15 hours) per week that all children are entitled to, the term after their 3rd birthday. The ‘extended’ hours refers to the 22.35 hours (30 hours) per week the is based on a strict, eligibility criteria.
What is the maximum number of funded hours per day?
We can claim a maximum of 10 hours per day.
What is the charge for food and snacks during the EYE hours?
From 1st September 2018, we will apply an Additional Services charge of £1.50 per funded hour at The Beehive. This covers the cost of consumables as the Government funding only covers the childcare element of our fee.
What if my child attends for more than the funded hours?
Normal session rates and terms will apply.
How do I ensure that my child receives the funding?
When you register your child with The Beehive you are asked to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate. The Nursery Director then provides the Local Authority with a copy of this along with a registration form, the term before your child is entitled any funding. Parents and Carers will then be asked to sign a Parent Declaration form which details the actual number of hours being claimed by The Beehive Day Nursery. The form must also detail any other funded hours being claimed at other settings. You can claim at a maximum of 3 settings at any one time.
How can I pay?
Fees can be paid by standing order, BACS transfer, Tax-Free childcare, childcare vouchers, cheque or cash. You can also pay by credit or debit card in the office. Fees are due by 15th of the month, one month in advance, as per our terms and conditions.