Funded nursery entitlement
For children aged from 9 months – 4 years (working parents)
From September 2025 if you are a working parent you may be entitled to 30 hours per week funded nursery entitlement. These hours can be taken with an approved day nursery or registered childminder or those schools that take children from 2 year olds. To apply for this you need to log onto childcarechoices.gov.uk.
For children aged 2 years
If you are not working or are on a low income you may be entitled to a 2 year old funded nursery place of 15 hours per week. These hours can be taken in a school nursery who delivers 2 year old provision or with an approved day nursery or childminder. To apply for this you need to log onto the Hartlepool Borough Council website and click Education and Early Years then Free Nursery Entitlement and the application form is on that page.
For children aged 3 and 4 year olds
All three and four year old children are entitled to receive 15 hours per week funded nursery sessions. These can be taken in a school nursery or with an approved day nursery or childminder.
What is my child entitled to?
From September 2025 – the entitlements are changing so that some working parents will receive up to 1140 hours per year.
This equates to a maximum of 30 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (term time only) or 22.8 hours over 50 weeks. You do not have to take up the full entitlement however you are encouraged to do so.
Do I have to attend a session every day?
No, settings and schools have been required to offer the free nursery entitlement more flexibly. For examples of how this may be taken please consult your provider or call the Early Years Team on 01429 523523 or email EarlyYearsChildcare@hartlepool.gov.uk 284881
When will my child become eligible for the working parent entitlement?
This will be the term after your child turns 9 months old.
When will my child become eligible for a funded 2 year old place if I am not working or on a low income?
National guidelines dictate the following:
| A child born between: | Will be eligible for a funded place from: |
| 1st April – 31st August | The start of the autumn term following their 2nd or 3rd birthday until statutory school age (September) |
| 1st Sept – 31st Dec | The start of the spring term following their 2nd or 3rd birthday until statutory school age (January) |
| 1st Jan – 31st March | The start of the summer term following their 2nd or 3rd birthday until statutory school age (April) |
Can my child attend more than one setting?
Yes, 2 settings can be used, however we would encourage that your child stays with one provider as far as possible as it is important for the child to have consistency and stability.
How will the places be funded?
The places will be funded by the Local Authority with payment made directly to the provider.
A parent is not expected to contribute towards the costs of their funded entitlement, it should be free at the point of delivery. A child’s funded entitlement however does not cover any additional services that the setting may offer e.g. extra hours or transport, meals and consumables. You will need to speak with your provider to discuss any charges for this.
Will the nursery session(s) my child receives be of good quality?
Yes, providers offering the free nursery entitlement must be registered with Ofsted. Being registered means that the provider must comply with the requirements of The Department of Educations’ Code of Practice on the Provision of Free Nursery Education Places for Three and Four Year Olds. The provider will be subject to an inspection by OFSTED, the organisation which also inspects schools to make sure that the child is being educated appropriately. Local Authority staff work closely with settings to develop and enhance the learning environment and experience for your child.
How can I apply for my place at the setting?
To apply for your child’s funded nursery entitlement contact the school/nursery or childminder you are interested in your child attending. They will let you know if they are a registered provider and if so, when your child can take advantage of this entitlement.
If you do not have a provider in mind, contact the Early Years Team on 01429 523523 where a list of registered providers is available.
For further information contact:
The Erly Years Team
Hartlepool Borough Council
CETL
Brierton Lane
Hartlepool
TS25 4AF
Direct Line: 0429 523523
EarlyYearsChildcare@hartlepool.gov.uk
Help With Childcare Costs
Childcare Element of Universal Credit
If you are working and are claiming Universal Credit, you might be entitled to up to 85% of your childcare costs back. You need to speak to your job coach about this.
Tax Free Childcare
If you are working and do not qualify for Universal Credit you may be able to claim Tax Free Childcare which is a 20% saving on your childcare costs. To make your application for this log onto childcarechoices.gov.uk.
Please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to compare the support you may receive and to confirm which option you may be eligible for.
Support for students
Some colleges offer help with the cost of childcare.
If you are under the age of 20 and are doing a recognised qualification or are returning to school after having a baby you may be entitled to Care To Learn which is a fund to pay for your childcare whilst you study,
This is an online application on The Care To Learn site.
Childcare in Hartlepool
Information about childcare available within Hartlepool can be found here
