Government Funded Entitlement

Eligible families may access funded early education hours in line with current Government guidelines.

These funded hours cover early education and childcare as set out in the statutory framework. There is no charge for the funded hours themselves.

Our team is happy to guide you through eligibility criteria and support you with the application process if needed.

Our Care Charge

While the funded entitlement covers early education hours, it does not fully cover the additional services and enhancements that form part of our bespoke Dream Big Little One experience.

During funded weeks, we apply a care charge.

This charge contributes towards:

  • Freshly prepared meals and snacks
  • Enhanced curriculum resources and specialist provision
  • Enrichment activities
  • Consumables such as creative materials
  • Additional staffing, training and wellbeing support
  • Extended service elements beyond the core funded entitlement

This ensures that every child — whether accessing funded hours or privately paid sessions — benefits from the same high-quality, enriched experience.

Importantly:

Parents are not required to access additional hours beyond their funded entitlement. However, as permitted under Government guidance, settings may charge for meals, consumables and additional services provided.

We are always fully transparent about these charges before a place is confirmed.

Flexible Options

Families may choose to:

  • Access funded hours only (with the applicable care charge)
  • Combine funded hours with additional paid sessions
  • Access full-day provision
  • Choose term-time only options (subject to availability)

We are happy to tailor packages to suit your family’s needs wherever possible.

Our Commitment to Quality

Our structure allows us to maintain:

  • Low adult-to-child ratios
  • Highly qualified and well-supported staff
  • Award-winning nutrition provision
  • A carefully planned, enriched curriculum
  • A calm, well-resourced environment

Because your child’s early years deserve more than the minimum.

You’re not just accessing funded hours.

You’re choosing a setting that invests deeply in safety, wellbeing and excellence.

If you would like more information please contact us for our detailed fee schedule. We would be delighted to talk it through with you and help you make the best decision for your family.

Funding Explained – At a Glance

We know funding can sometimes feel complicated — and the last thing busy parents need is confusing information.

So here’s the simple, clear version of how it works at Dream Big Little One:

Funded hours are Government-funded early education sessions available to eligible families under current national funding schemes.

No. We do not charge for the funded early education hours.

The funded entitlement covers early education and childcare delivered in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.

The care charge applies during funded weeks and contributes towards additional services and enhancements that are not covered by Government funding. This includes meals and snacks, consumables, enrichment activities, enhanced resources and elements that extend beyond the core funded entitlement.

The funded hours remain free. However, where additional services such as meals and consumables are provided, a charge applies in line with Government guidance. Full details are shared clearly before a place is agreed.

No. Parents are not required to access additional paid hours beyond their funded entitlement.

Yes. All fees, funding allocations and care charges are explained transparently before your child starts – you will receive a full breakdown of costs and how the funding is applied to your place and the savings that you are making.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Dream Big Little One follows Local Authority and Department for Education guidance regarding funded early education entitlements.

We ensure:

  • Funded hours are delivered completely free of charge
  • Parents are not required to purchase additional hours as a condition of accessing funded places
  • Any charges for meals, consumables or additional services are clearly itemised and communicated in advance
  • Families receive full written details of funding allocations and associated charges before agreeing to a place

If you would like to see our full Funding Policy or discuss how funding applies to your individual circumstances, we are always happy to talk it through.

Clarity matters. Trust matters. And we are committed to both.