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 ​Funding & Childcare Options

At Colours at St Paul's Pre-school, We aim to make high-quality early years education accessible and transparent.

We offer various funding options to support our families:

3 & 4-Year-Old Funding

All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 hours of free pre-school education per week for 38 weeks of the year (a total of 570 hours per eligible year).

2-Year-Old Funding

Eligible 2-year-olds can also access 15 hours of funding per week. Eligibility criteria can vary by local authority; however, our team is always on hand to help you navigate the process and find out if you qualify.

This scheme provides a seamless transition into the universal three-year-old funding.

30 Hours Extended Entitlement

Some working parents of 2, 3, and 4-year-olds may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week.

Find out if you are eligible:

Check your eligibility on

GOV.UK

​Explore all childcare options at Childcare Choices

Fee Structure (From September 2025)

We pride ourselves on offering flexibility with our hourly fees and payment terms.

Category Rate:

Non-funded children (Hourly) £6.90 per hour

Non-funded children (Termly discount) £6.50 per hour

Funded children (Additional hours over 15) £6.50 per hour

Payment Options:

Parents can choose the method that best suits their budget

Termly: Paid in advance at the start of each term (includes a discounted hourly rate for non-funded hours).

Monthly: Invoiced at the end of each calendar month based on hours attended.

What’s Included?

Unlike many providers, we do not ask for top-up contributions. Your EYE Funding and hourly fees are all-inclusive and cover:

Daily healthy snacks

Art, gardening, and cooking materials

Sand and sensory play supplies

End-of-year and Christmas presents

Pre-school party food and special events 

​Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Navigating childcare funding can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you need help checking your eligibility code or want to discuss a personalized payment plan, our friendly team is ready to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When can my child start their funded place?
Funding starts from the beginning of the term after your child’s eligible birthday.

Born between 1 Jan – 31 March: Funding starts in April (Summer Term).
Born between 1 April – 31 Aug: Funding starts in September (Autumn Term).
Born between 1 Sept – 31 Dec: Funding starts in January (Spring Term).

What is the "30 Hours" funding and do I qualify?
While all 3 and 4-year-olds get 15 hours, the "30 Hours" is an extended entitlement for working families. As of September 2025, this has also expanded to include eligible working parents of 2-year-olds. Generally, you qualify if you (and your partner) work at least 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage and earn less than £100,000 per year.

In Hampshire, as with the rest of England, the deadline to apply for your 30-hour childcare code depends on which term you want your child to start. To ensure you receive your funding, you must have a valid code by the end of the month before the new term begins.

Do I need to apply for the funding myself?
For the Universal 15 Hours (ages 3 & 4): No. We handle this for you! Just speak to our team when your child is approaching their 3rd birthday.
For 2-Year-Old or 30-Hour Funding: Yes. You must apply via the Gov.uk website to receive an eligibility code. You must then provide this code to us before the start of the term.

Does the funding cover everything?
The government funding is designed to cover the cost of high-quality childcare and education. At our preschool, we use our fees and funding to provide an all-inclusive experience. This means we do not ask for additional daily contributions for snacks, art supplies, or special events like our Christmas party.

Can I "stretch" my hours over the summer?
Our funding structure is based on 38 weeks per year (term time). 

What happens if I want my child to stay for more than 15 hours?
We are happy to accommodate extra hours! Any additional time outside of your funded 15 (or 30) hours is charged at our competitive non-funded rate of £6.90 per hour (or £6.50 if paying termly).

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