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Childcare, Childcare Funding, Children, Nursery, Preschool, Under-5s

Apply by 31 December for Funded Childcare in January!

Today’s post is an urgent reminder: if you want your child to benefit from free, government-funded childcare hours from January, you must apply for the funding no later than 31 December. That’s the case whether you’re a new applicant or an existing one for the types of childcare support that require a code. If you miss the 31 December deadline, you’ll have no code to give your provider — meaning they won’t be able to provide free childcare hours to your child for the whole of that term. So — time is of the essence! Today, we bring you more detailed information and a reminder of how and where to apply, so you’re not out of pocket or without childcare from the term starting this January.

“If you do not apply on or before the deadline, you will not be able to take up your entitlements in that term.” ^∞

Which Childcare Funding Schemes Require a Code?

There are several ways the UK Government supports eligible children with childcare funding. Of those, the most popular childcare funding schemes in England that require a code are:

30 hours of free childcare per week for eligible working families with children aged from 9 months to 4 years inclusive. That’s 1140 free childcare hours per year. (Learn more).
15 hours of free childcare per week for disadvantaged children, aged 2, from households that receive some additional Government support — e.g., benefits like Universal Credit, JSA, Disability Living Allowance, and others. The 15 hours per week, for 38 weeks of the year, represent 570 hours of free childcare per annum. (Learn more).

Another popular scheme, which provides 15 hours of free childcare per week (570 per year) to all children aged 3 and 4 living in England, is known as the Universal Entitlement. However, this scheme does not require a code.

There are also additional schemes, for example, Tax-Free Childcare and support for student parents.

Confused About Which Childcare Support Your Child is Entitled To?

It can be confusing trying to work out which, if any, childcare funding/support schemes your child may be entitled to. However, the UK Government has a useful online tool that allows you to quickly and easily check what childcare support your child is entitled to. Click the bold blue link and answer a few simple questions. Within just a few moments, the options that apply to you will be confirmed.

“We recommend parents speak with their chosen provider about when they will be able to offer them a place.” — BestStartinLife.gov.uk

Check if a Childcare Place is Available

You will, of course, need to check whether a funded childcare place is actually available locally for your child. After researching local providers, check with your preferred childcare provider first — or with an alternative if your first choice has no availability for your child. Bear in mind that some providers also have waiting lists, so don’t leave it too late.

“If your chosen provider doesn’t have a place available, we advise that you explore other providers in your local area.” — BestStartinLife.gov.uk

Apply for Childcare Funding & Your All-Important Code

When you’re confident you know which type of childcare support you are entitled to, and have lined up a provider, you’ll need to apply for the funding and all-important code, where applicable.

For childcare support for working parents, apply online on the Gov.uk website in order to obtain your code.
For childcare support for disadvantaged 2-year-olds who receive some additional form of support, apply via your local council to get your code.
For the Universal Entitlement scheme for all 3 and 4-year-olds living in England, contact your preferred childcare provider directly. No code is required, but you’ll need to provide your child’s birth certificate and sign a form.

You will need to reconfirm eligibility every 3 months, via your Childcare Account, to continue receiving the childcare funding/support. Emailed reminders will be sent to you 2 and 4 weeks before the deadlines for reconfirmation.

The Application Deadline

The deadline for applying for childcare codes is the last day of the month that precedes the start of the term. So:

For the January term, apply for your code no later than 31 December.
For the April term, apply for your code no later than 31 March.
For the September term, apply for your code no later than 31 August.

That said, we urge families to apply ideally at least 6 weeks earlier than the deadline, not least because some childcare providers ask for codes earlier than the deadlines specified above. Applying early will also allow time to iron out any unexpected issues that may arise.

After Applying

After applying, most families find out whether their application is successful right away — and receive their code immediately if so. However, sometimes it takes longer, which is another reason not to leave applications until the last minute.

NOTE: Failure to successfully apply by the deadline will mean that your child is unlikely to be able to receive funding for that entire term.

DON’T FORGET: You will need to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months.

Good luck with your application!

Nursery Places at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Are you looking for a childcare place in Streatham? If you have a baby, toddler, or child under five and live nearby, consider Little Cedars Day Nursery in Streatham for your weekday childcare. We are rated as a Good Provider by Ofsted, offer a home-from-home and nurturing environment for your child, and support various childcare funding schemes for eligible families. We also offer a stretched (51-week) provision that spreads free childcare hours over the whole year. As well as providing a childcare service to families in Streatham, we may also suit those living nearby in places like Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury, and Colliers Wood. Choose an option to get in touch today:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

19 December 2025/by Mark

Babies, Childcare, Childcare Funding, Early Years, Early Years Education, Free Childcare, Nurseries, Nursery, Parenting, Preschoolers, Toddlers, Under-5s

Apply Now for the ‘30 Hours’ Childcare Scheme for Working Families – for Children 9 Months+

[May 2025]: Applications are now open for the final “30 hours” expansion of the Government’s free childcare scheme for working families. The new, expanded childcare hours are for eligible children, aged 9 months up to 3 years by 1st September 2025, attending nursery from that month. It doubles the previous number of hours available under the scheme, potentially saving eligible families as much as £7,500 per annum per child. The extended childcare hours will also allow parents — particularly mothers — improved potential to get back into work or take on more hours. Either would increase both household income and the greater economy. Most importantly, though, increasing access to high-quality early years childcare will give children the best start in life, enabling them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive once they leave early years settings to begin school.

Don’t delay — if your child is eligible, you can now apply for the September 2025 term but you only have until the 31st of August in which to do so. That deadline will be here before we know it, so act quickly if you want to benefit from the expanded childcare funding from September 2025.

The changes will make a “massive difference to children and working parents”— Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary.

Here’s a snapshot:

Who can apply? Eligible working families with a child aged 9 months up to 3 years by September 1st 2025.
How many funded hours will be available? 30 hours per week over 38 weeks per year term time (1140 childcare hours over the year).*
When can families start to apply? From 12th May 2025 for a September ’25 term start.
When is the application deadline? Apply no later than 31 August 2025 if you want your child to start nursery in the September 2025 term.
What About Children Aged 3 and 4? 3-and-4-year-olds of eligible working families have been able to access the 30 hours of free childcare per week (1140 hours per year) since it was phased in late last year (September 2024). Previously, only half those hours had been available under the scheme for this age group.
Does the funding cover everything? No. The government funding does not cover additional items like extra childcare hours over the allowance or nappies, meals, and the cost of trips. Your chosen provider will be able to provide more details specific to their particular setting. To clarify for government-funded places at Little Cedars Day Nursery, meals, other consumables, and extra hours will need to be paid for separately.
What if we’re not a working family? If you’re not a working family that’s eligible for the new 30 hours extension, it’s worth noting that all children who live in England already qualify for 15 hours per week (570 childcare hours per annum) under their ‘Universal Entitlement’. That is a separate scheme that’s explained here, does not require parents to be working, and is not means tested.

^{* Some settings may allow some flexibility, for example, by spreading out the same number of annual hours over more weeks of the year. For the academic year 2025-26, Little Cedars will accommodate families in this way via a 51-week provision starting in September 2025. Click here to learn more.}

This is a plan “to break the unfair link between background and opportunity across this country, which starts by ensuring our children start school ready to learn.” — Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary.

Eligibility

The key rules around eligibility for working families state that both you and your partner if you have one must:

Work at least 16 hours or more per week at the National Minimum Wage^∞ or more;
Earn an adjusted net income^∞ of less than £100k per annum;
Have a National Insurance number.

If the above factors do not apply to you, you may still be eligible for childcare funding if you are disabled, a carer, on maternity/paternity/adoption leave, or receive certain benefits or assistance from the government. Check your eligibility more comprehensively in Step 1 below. More details and an excellent overview are also provided in an official video provided by the Department of Education (viewing time: 2½ minutes).

To-Do List

First, check that your child is eligible via the Childcare Choices website.
If eligible, apply for the funded childcare on the Government website by 31 August 2025 if you want your child to start in the September 2025 term. If applying for a different term, you will need to apply during the term preceding it (terms begin on the 1st of January, April and September). Once approved, you will be issued with a code that your childcare provider will require in order to access the funding.
Contact your preferred childcare provider at any point to check if they have a place available for your child under the scheme. Be aware that some have waiting lists.
Log into your Gov.uk childcare account every 3 months to ensure your code is kept up to date. You need to reconfirm your details and check for continued eligibility in case your circumstances have changed.

You will not be able to receive the funded childcare without a valid code!

Funded Nursery Places at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Little Cedars Day Nursery is a wonderful childcare setting in Streatham, close to Tooting Common, that offers a first-class service to local families and their children. The setting supports most government-funded childcare schemes and thereby provides affordable childcare for Streatham, Furzedown, Tooting and Balham families. Through the government funding schemes, free childcare is available to eligible children aged from 9 months to school age and this includes a number of places available under the extended ’30 hours’ scheme for working families. It’s the perfect way to give children the best start in life while also allowing parents, especially mothers, to rejoin the workplace after maternity leave, boost working hours if they want to, and elevate household income.

Begin your application to Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham, come for a visit with your child or send us your questions today. We can’t wait to meet you!

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham is rated as a Good Provider of childcare and early years education by Ofsted. It may also be a convenient choice for families living nearby in Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

20 May 2025/by Mark

Activity Ideas for Children, Bees, Flora and Fauna, Nature, Nature Activities, Parenting, Pollinators, Under-5s

Under-5s: Get Buzzing for World Bee Day!

May’s World Bee Day is a wonderful and very worthwhile International event. It’s also one that’s perfect for children, including under-fives, to get involved in. Not only does it raise families’ awareness of the importance of bees and pollinators, but it’s also a great opportunity to introduce little ones to some of nature’s adorable little creatures and get them more interested in the natural world. Nature is fabulously good for children, benefiting them in a myriad of different ways, so creating a buzz around World Bee Day is sure to be fun, educational, and hugely beneficial to children. With that in mind, today’s post explains more about World Bee Day and activities that children can take part in to celebrate the event.

What is World Bee Day?

World Bee Day arrives on the same date each year — the 20th of May. The annual event celebrates bees and other pollinators and the important role they play in the world. Without them, there would be no food crops, fruit, vegetables, or nuts, leaving animals — including humans — in real mortal danger. The event also raises awareness of the plight and dwindling numbers of bees and other pollinators around the world, shining a spotlight on ways to reverse their decline.

So, by drawing children’s attention to bees, they’ll learn more about bees and pollinators, more about nature, where food comes from, and how human practices impact the natural world. Such a focus is a great way to both educate and instil in them the need to look after nature and all its flora and fauna. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s stewards of this precious planet.

How Can Children Get Involved in World Bee Day?

There are many ways to create a buzz and get children involved in World Bee Day, so read on to discover some excellent bee-related activity ideas for under-fives below.

Create a Bee-Friendly Garden

Children naturally take to planting seeds, tending seedlings as they grow, and watering plants and flowers. That’s great because it gives many opportunities for children to make gardens wildlife-friendly in readiness for World Bee Day each year. They can sow wildflower seeds, water existing flowers and bulbs in the garden, or even plant some low-cost flowers or seedlings in pots for the family’s windowsills, patio, balcony or garden. And, when flowers are blooming in May, the bees and pollinators will come! Whether it’s honeybees, bumblebees, or other pollinators like hoverflies, each one is adorable and a delight for children to see.

TIP! Bees love brightly-coloured flowers including those which are yellow or white. However, they are particularly attracted to those which are blue, purple, violet, and ultraviolet.

Teach Respect & Empathy

Remember to teach respect and empathy; bees are busy little things, going about their business, so it’s important for children to look but not touch. Encourage children to watch them and not disrupt their lives — they have feelings, their own lives, and incredibly important jobs to do after all.

Make a Bee Oasis

During hot days, bees can get very weary and can therefore sometimes be seen on the ground motionless as if they’re dying* or ill. Often they’re simply exhausted from all their hard work, flying in hot weather, and might also be dehydrated. To help bees avoid getting to this stage, children can put out little saucers (like those that go under flowerpots) with shallow water in them. They can simply be placed on flowerbeds and lawn edges close to the flowers that bees visit to collect nectar. However, it’s essential to include stones or small rocks that protrude from below the waterline into the air above. Bees, along with other pollinators, will then be able to use these to land on, crawl along, and sip at the water’s edge. The stones or rocks are also useful as an escape route should they accidentally end up in the water — bees can’t swim!

* Also learn how you can help a bee that needs reviving with sugar water here.

Take Children on a Bee-Spotting Walk

Wherever there are flowers, children will find bees, particularly if the flowers are brightly coloured and fragrant. A walk around the local neighbourhood, park, or natural open spaces will be both great exercise and an opportunity for little ones to spot some lovely bees and pollinators. Getting outdoors (appropriately supervised* and dressed) is beneficial to children in many ways, and a bee-spotting walk will be a simple way to introduce them to these important and cute little creatures. Can they spot a bumblebee? Can they spot a bee collecting nectar in their leg pouches (also known as pollen baskets or corbiculae)? Which type of bees are they seeing? Can they tell the difference between a common wasp (generally with yellow stripes) and a honeybee (generally with brown stripes)? And do they like the smell of some of the beautiful flowers that they’ll see on their bee walk? Such an activity is a delight to the senses!

Teach Children the Bee Waggle Dance!

Honeybees dance! Did you know? When they want to communicate the discovery of a source of nectar to other bees in their colony, they will do what’s called the ‘Waggle Dance’. It’s a real thing! Scientists have studied the dance and have discovered that it tells other bees the direction, quality, and distance of the new food source from the hive. It consists of a wiggle while walking forward in the direction of the food source. The number of repetitions and specifics about the wiggles give other bees clues about the distance, location, and quality of the food source. They’ll then know which direction to head in and how far they’ll to need to fly. The accompanying video explains more. Inspired by this, why not encourage children to do their own waggle dance to music?

Create Bee Art!

If the weather is unsuitable for outdoor activities, one of the easiest bee-related activities that children can take part in is making bee art. They can try drawing bumblebees, flowers, and hives with pencils, pens, or markers. Alternatively, they can get even more creative using paints or collages. Cutting up coloured tissue paper shapes and making bee-related images using appliqué is sure to be fun and impressive (child-safe scissors being used by parents or under super-close supervision). Parents can perhaps cut out any tricky shapes for the youngest children and then help guide them as they glue bee, flower, or hive elements into place.

Bee Crafts!

Bee art can be extended further by creating three-dimensional models and shapes. With a little help from parents or older siblings, even children under five can take part. They will enjoy sticking shaped paper or cardboard pieces and other recycled materials into place to form three-dimensional bees and flowers. Useful materials for such models could be things like corrugated card, tissue paper in various colours, coloured pipe cleaners, fabric, kitchen roll cores, paper plates and cups and, of course, coloured paints to decorate the final piece. Such creations can be as simple or complex as families like. This is a great activity to boost fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination!

Bee Fancy Dress

Children can get into bee-inspired fancy dress while doing their waggle dance! Striped clothes will help. Perhaps parents can help them make wings from card or material and shaped wire. Some antennae should not be too difficult to make from a headband, some pipe cleaners and some homemade pom-poms or foam balls from a craft shop. Children will love such creativity and the fun that ensues with friends once they’re all dressed up!

Create a Buzz About World Bee Day This May!

The bee-related activity ideas suggested in today’s post will be a fabulous way to introduce children to these magical little creatures, the wonderful work they do for us and the planet, and the measures little ones can take in their own lives to improve the plight of the natural world. The activities will also be fun and educational — indeed supporting many areas of the EYFS — and allow children to benefit from the enormous number of ways that nature can help them. From greater well-being and lower stress levels to greater focus and improved grades, nature is amazing for children and adults alike. What’s more, spending time around bees and nature will help children become more ecologically conscious, give them a sense of empathy and responsibility, and live more sustainably as they grow older. We wish everyone a happy World Bee Day this May.

Lessons from Nature at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

We know how important nature is to children at Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham and that’s why the setting has its own planting and vegetable area for the children. Nurturing flowers, growing fruit and vegetables and tending plants will teach children a lot about the natural world, the importance of taking responsibility for other living things under their care, empathy, and where food comes from. Such activities also give them new knowledge, new skills, and a sense of achievement. They’re just one element in the full spectrum of early years learning and development opportunities at Little Cedars.

Get in touch today if you’d like your baby or child to visit Little Cedars Nursery — it’s by far the best way to see how well they will fit in. We can show you both around, answer questions, and tell you more about nursery places here in Streatham.

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham is designated a ‘Good Provider’ by Ofsted and supports childcare funding for eligible children from 9 months of age. Located in Streatham close to Tooting Common, it will be a convenient choice for those living in and around Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

^{* Young children should be supervised at all times when exploring or playing outdoors. Read our safety tips for outdoor play for more ways to keep them safe outdoors.}

20 April 2025/by Mark

Babies, Childhood Development, Early Years, Health, Health & Wellbeing, Infants, Nursery, Parenting, Under-5s

The Dangers of Kissing Babies

The natural instinct of many adults is to kiss the new baby of a friend or relative. Yet many are unaware of how potentially dangerous kissing an infant baby can be. Indeed, in the worst scenarios, the child could be permanently damaged or even lose their life. As many adults are simply unaware of such dangers, today’s article exposes the risks that a simple kiss can represent to a newborn or infant baby and why it’s essential for parents to take precautions to protect them.

“A nationwide survey of 2,300 new and expectant parents … found that 54% would let friends and family kiss their newborn baby, unaware of the risk of serious infection.” — The Lullaby Trust^∞

Babies Have Immature Immune Systems & Are More at Risk

Immune systems are complex things and, despite babies being passed a level of protection via their mother’s milk, it can take some time before babies’ immune systems are advanced enough to fight off infections that an older child is naturally protected against. In the first few months of a newborn baby’s life, they have immature immune systems and therefore they are far more susceptible to infections than older children and adults. What’s more worrying, though, is that being exposed to certain viruses and microbes can cause irreparable harm to them — and even death.

“Even infections that cause mild symptoms such as a common cold in adults and older children can be life-threatening for babies” — The Lullaby Trust

The ‘Blood-Brain Barrier’

Without getting too technical, the Blood-Brain Barrier (‘BBB’) can be thought of as a thick, semipermeable membrane of special cells that protect the brain. In tandem with allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered from the bloodstream to the brain, it helps to retain good things inside it. Importantly, the BBB also helps to keep out germs, diseases, toxic substances, and other potentially damaging impurities from entry into the brain.

The ‘Blood-Brain Barrier’ Takes Months to Mature

Here’s the important thing in respect to babies: in newborn and infant babies, the blood-brain barrier is not fully developed and their immune systems are still being trained. And, although born with a blood-brain barrier, that barrier needs further time to develop as it continues to tighten, thereby protecting the brain more during a child’s early life. That’s incredibly important to grasp because infections in the brain can be potentially catastrophic and especially so for babies under the age of 4 months.

An infection that could cause mild symptoms in older children and adults could be life-threatening for newborns.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen to Compromised Babies?

A baby whose brain is compromised by an infection crossing an immature blood-brain barrier can suffer potentially catastrophic consequences. A brain infection can lead to brain inflammation, brain swelling, brain damage, loss of consciousness, stroke, seizures, epilepsy, and potentially even death. It’s critically important, therefore, to protect children from such potential risks, especially in their first few months and during their first year.

“The younger the baby, the more vulnerable they are to the harmful effects of infection.” — NHS

The Risks from Kissing Babies

So, what has all this got to do with kissing babies? Well, because the BBB in babies and young infants is immature, the risks of infection to the brain are far higher. General germs, viruses and colds are, of course, a concern along with illnesses that cause ill health, diarrhoea or vomiting. However, active cold sores are a particular worry to parents who are aware of the safety issues around kissing babies. That’s because the virus that causes cold sores is actually the herpes simplex^∞ virus, which can be passed to the baby through a simple kiss on the head. It’s a very common virus and, indeed, most adults carry the HSV-1 variant of the virus but don’t realise they do. For adults, it causes cold sores but can also cause genital herpes (HSV-2).

“The herpes simplex virus can be passed to a baby through a cold sore if a person has a cold sore and kisses the baby.” — NHS

If infected by neonatal herpes^∞, a baby could become seriously ill or even die, particularly if the infection spreads to the infant’s internal organs. This is therefore a serious issue that parents need to be aware of and take measures against. And it’s all the more important in the earliest part of a baby’s life due to the immaturity of their immune system and BBB.

“A baby is most at risk of getting a herpes infection in the first 4 weeks after birth.” — NHS

Cold sore infections are most contagious when the blisters they cause burst, and remain a danger until fully healed. Therefore it’s important never to let anyone with such a condition touch or kiss a baby.

Measures Parents Can Take to Protect Babies

Parents who show signs of infection and any visitors (who could, in theory, be carrying anything) should follow some simple rules to help newborns and young infants stay safer from harmful infections.

Wash hands before touching babies.
Never kiss a newborn baby or infant, particularly on the head, except when you’re their parent or main carer and are in good health.
Even if you are their parent or main carer, avoid kissing them and wash hands before breastfeeding if you have recently been unwell or, of course, if you have any kind of infection.
Parents/carers with cold sore blisters or other herpes-related lesions should cover them whenever they’re around babies.
Parents/carers should alert family members and other visitors about the risks, especially when babies are at their youngest.

“Despite the risk, 63% of new and expectant parents would feel uneasy asking visitors not to touch their baby, worried that they’d offend someone, hurt their feelings, or be labelled an overprotective parent.” — NHS

Telling family and friends why you don’t want them to touch or kiss a baby can feel awkward. However, the risks are huge to babies, so such requests are essential. In view of this, The Lullaby Trust has produced the following video, which can be shared by parents to make communication about this issue less difficult:

With the right approach, it’s possible for friends and family to meet your new baby while taking steps to help prevent infection.

Weekday Childcare for Babies & Under-5s in Streatham

Little Cedars is a wonderful nursery and preschool in Streatham. We’re recognised as a ‘good provider’ of childcare and early years education by Ofsted and, as such, give babies and children under five a fabulous start in life. What’s more, we also support a wide range of free childcare options for eligible children through several of the Government’s childcare funding schemes. So, do consider us if you are looking for a high-quality weekday childcare service in Streatham or live in nearby locations like Streatham Common, Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Tooting Common, Tooting, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury or Colliers Wood.

Consider a childcare place at Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham today. Choose an option to get started:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

SAFETY NOTICE

The information in this post is produced in good faith but should not be relied on as medical advice. Parents should do their own research to gather all the facts. You know your child best so, if you believe they may be unwell, trust your instincts. If you suspect they are unwell or may have an infection, it’s important to seek urgent professional medical advice — for example, from your midwife, health visitor, GP, NHS 111, or hospital A&E department.

29 November 2024/by Mark

Babies, Childcare, Children, Early Years Education, Learning & Development, Little Cedars Day Nursery, Nurseries, Nursery, Preschool, Streatham, SW16, Under-5s

38 Weeks, 42 Weeks & All-Year-Round Childcare in Streatham

At Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham, we offer a range of three main options for weekday childcare and early years education. Some families require all-year-round childcare for their under-five child. Others may prefer (or, if funded through Government schemes, only be eligible for) “term-time” cover over 38 weeks of the year. Between those two options, Little Cedars Nursery also now offers a ‘midway’ solution that provides childcare cover for 42 weeks. In today’s post, we clarify how the options work and differ over the course of the year, including in calendar form so that parents can see the differences graphically. See our overview below and click the calendar image for a larger view. If you have any questions, use one of the contact options at the end of today’s post and we’ll be happy to help.

All-Year-Round Childcare

Our all-year-round childcare option does pretty much “what it says on the tin” and provides weekday childcare and early years education right across the year. Apart, of course, from that week or so when we’re closed over Christmas/New Year and on inset days and public holidays. So, it’s a great solution for busy parents.

38 Weeks of Childcare

Our 38-week childcare option is particularly well-suited for those families whose childcare is funded through one of the key Government childcare schemes. These typically fund a child over 38 weeks of the year. However, do talk to us (or your childcare provider if not Little Cedars Nursery) if you would like to explore the possibility of stretching the hours out over more weeks of the year.

The term dates and holidays for the 38-week option match very closely with those of most schools*, so are often referred to as ‘term-time’ places. So, if you have an older child at school as well as a child at nursery or preschool, your under-five child’s timetable should synchronise well if they attend using the 38-week option.

^{* Term dates sometimes differ a little from school to school. Check yours here.}

The 38-week option also ties in with the legal minimum number of days that childcare settings like ours are required to be open each year (190 days when the nursery must be open to children plus 5 inset days for staff training and development).

42 Weeks of Childcare

Little Cedars Nursery has also introduced a childcare timetable that’s somewhere between the all-year-round and 38-week options. With our “42-week” childcare option, under-fives at Little Cedars Nursery are looked after over four more weeks of the year than provided by the 38-week option. This will give greater flexibility for families, particularly where parents simply cannot take as much time off work as there are school breaks. For example, childcare is provided during the school half-term break in February, during one week of normal school closures between spring and summer term in early April, and during two weeks of the school summer holidays in late July/early August. Take a look at the calendar provided above to see how the three options differ across the academic year.

Days when children don’t attend, common to all three options, are:

Inset days when we’re closed to childcare provision while staff attend training and development sessions.
Bank holidays and public holidays when, like virtually all businesses, the nursery is closed.
The week or so between the start of Christmas and the New Year, when the nursery is closed.

Check Out our Competitive Fees

You can check out our competitive childcare fees here. There are a few things to note therein:

Fee-paying places have slightly longer sessions, with morning sessions starting at 7:45 am and afternoon sessions finishing at 6:15 pm. In contrast, term-time Government-funded places begin a little later at 8:00 am and the afternoon sessions finish at 6:00 pm.
Lunch hour occurs between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
For some children receiving government-funded hours, additional fees may be required for meals.
The standard £85 daily fee and £46 half-day fee are reduced, in effect, for those attending all year round.
Fee-paying siblings of children already attending the nursery are eligible for a 13% discount.

^{Fees and details are correct at the time of writing (31 October 2024).}

High-Quality Weekday Childcare at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Do you have a baby, toddler, or child under five in or around the Streatham area? If so, do consider us today for your childcare provision. As you can see above, we have several options that will suit a variety of different family situations. We also support many Government-funded free childcare schemes for eligible families. What’s more, we’re way more than just a childcare provider; we nurture every child to bring out the best in every area of their learning and development, enabling them to thrive and be ‘school-ready’ by the time they leave us to begin primary school.

Little Cedars Nursery is located in Streatham and is just a stone’s throw from Tooting Common. So, we will suit families requiring childcare nurseries in Streatham, Streatham Common, Streatham Hill, and Streatham Park as well as those looking for good nurseries near Tooting, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Contact us today, book a free guided tour of the nursery, message us or ask us a question — we’ll be happy to help:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

31 October 2024/by Mark

Babies, Childcare, Childcare Funding, Children, Early Years, Early Years Education, Free Childcare, Infants, Little Cedars Day Nursery, Nurseries, Nursery, Preschool, Preschoolers, Streatham, SW16, Toddlers, Under-5s

Free Childcare for Children from 9 Months – Now Available in Streatham

Last year, we announced some radical new childcare funding plans outlined in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s 2023 Spring Budget. Today, we’re happy to confirm that one of the schemes went live this month (September 2024), meaning several hours of free childcare per week are now available for eligible children and babies as young as just 9 months of age. It will be a great help for eligible families, whose children may now be able to benefit from free childcare hours from 9 months of age right up until they start school. In today’s post, we’ll explain the rules around eligibility, exactly how many free childcare hours babies and children can get, and some of the measures we’ve put in place at Little Cedars Nursery to deliver the expanded childcare service to eligible Streatham families.

How Much Free Childcare Will Eligible Babies & Children Get?

The new scheme we’re talking about today is effectively an extension of the existing ‘15 hours’ scheme for 3 and 4-year-olds of eligible working families. It’s been rolled out this month (September 2024) to eligible children aged from just 9 months and effectively means that some children will now be eligible to receive free childcare hours from 9 months right up until they reach official ‘school age’.

Since the start of this month (September 2024), eligible children from 9 months to the age of 3 can now receive 15 hours* of free childcare per week.
That joins up nicely with the existing “Universal Entitlement” scheme where all children aged 3 and 4, who live in England, can get 15 hours* of free childcare each week already, thereby taking their free childcare provision right up to school age.
Note too that, if your family circumstances fit the same criteria outlined below, eligible children aged 3 and 4 could see their free childcare entitlement increase from the previous 15 hours* to 30 hours* per week under the scheme we highlight today for working families.
Next year, from September 2025, the Government’s plan is to also expand the childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to 3 years to 30 hours* for those who are eligible. We’ll cover how that works separately once it’s available next year.

As well as helping families financially, the scheme expansion should help children begin their early years education even earlier, for many, which has been shown to be hugely beneficial to them. The free childcare provision will also help many more women back into the workforce. Children, families and the economy should all benefit.

* ^{For the 15-hour schemes, eligible children can access 570 hours of free childcare per year, or it’s 1140 hours per annum for the 30-hour equivalent. Those hours are usually spread over 38 weeks of the year. However, some providers may allow some flexibility, e.g. fewer hours per week over more weeks of the year. Your specific childcare provider will be able to confirm whether such flexibility is available at their particular setting. At Little Cedars, we will try to accommodate you wherever possible.}

Who is Eligible for Free Childcare for Babies From 9 Months?

The revised 15-hour and 30-hour schemes (depending on age) that are now available from this month (Sept 24) apply to children of eligible working families. The three key eligibility criteria for children aged 9 months to 4 years (inclusive) are outlined below.

Both you and your partner (if applicable):

Must expect to earn the equivalent of at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for a minimum of 16 hours per week (on average) during the course of the next three months. That’s currently £183 per week for those over the age of 21 but the figure will be less for those who are younger or in an apprenticeship;
Must not be earning an adjusted net income over £100,000 during the relevant tax year;
Must have a National Insurance number.

^{(Figures are correct as at September 2024).}

Additional rules and caveats apply in certain specific situations including where you/your partner are foster carers, self-employed, starting a new job, earning a non-regular income, have a certain immigration status, are not working and in receipt of certain benefits/support, and others. Find out more about eligibility for the childcare funding scheme here and/or use HMRC’s excellent (and quick!) childcare funding calculator here to see how many free hours your child could be eligible for.

We’re Set Up for the Arrival of New Babies at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Exterior of the new Caterpillars baby room at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham.

Part of the interior of the new Caterpillars baby room at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham.

In readiness for the influx of babies taking up the new funding, Little Cedars Nursery has a brand new baby room. It’s a lovely, warm, homely area for little ones and a couple of photographs are shown above.

So — if you’re an eligible working family in Streatham with a child aged anywhere from 9 months to 4 years of age, we may be able to help with a funded nursery/preschool place. For everyone else, fees are competitive, value for money is high, and the quality of our childcare is hard to beat in the Streatham area.

Interested? Apply for a nursery place at Little Cedars and/or get started with your childcare funding application today:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

Officially a ‘Good Provider’ of childcare and early years education, Little Cedars is a high-quality nursery for babies and children under five in Streatham. We’re within walking distance of Tooting Common and will also be conveniently located for families near Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

30 September 2024/by Mark

Today we provide a rough guide to free childcare schemes available in England. There are many different ways eligible families can obtain at the very least some free childcare, so today we look at the various Government schemes and options available. The good news is that there is even one that’s available to pretty much everyone — and it’s quite generous. We’ll take a look at that childcare funding scheme first.

‘Universal’ Free Childcare Hours for 3- & 4-Year-Olds

(The “15 Hours” Scheme)

Up to 570 Free Childcare Hours Available

With Universal Free Childcare, children aged 3 or 4 can receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.
Also known as their Free entitlement, it typically equates to 15 hours of free childcare per week over the course of 38 weeks of the year.
Some childcare providers may be able to stretch the hours out in a different pattern if it better suits families.
The childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.

Eligibility

Universal free childcare is not means tested and all children aged 3 and 4 living in England are eligible to receive the free hours. 3- and 4-year-olds moving to England from abroad are also entitled, even without British citizenship. Eligible children can start their free childcare in the term following their 3rd birthday.

How to Apply

Families should apply through their local childcare provider. If you live/work in Streatham and are interested in your child getting their free entitlement at Little Cedars Nursery, please apply here or get in touch to discuss a nursery place with us. You can also find out more about childcare funding via your local council (you can find yours here).

‘Extended’ Free Childcare Hours for 3- & 4-Year-Olds

(The “30 Hours” Scheme)

Up to 1140 Free Childcare Hours Available

With Extended Free Childcare, eligible 3- and 4-year-olds can receive up to 1140 hours of free childcare per year instead of only 570.
Also known as 30 hours’ free childcare, it typically equates to 30 hours of free childcare each week over 38 weeks.
As before, however, some childcare providers may be able to offer a different pattern of hours each week, for example if families prefer to take the free hours over 51 weeks of the year rather than limit them to term time only.
As with the Universal scheme, the free childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.

Eligibility

In contrast to the Universal scheme above, Extended free childcare for children in England aged 3 and 4 is means tested and there are quite a few additional rules around eligibility. These relate to income, job status, immigration status, and your child’s circumstances. In regard to income, generally speaking, eligibility requires that the parent(s) – or a single parent and their partner – are working and are each earning at least £8,668 per annum (less if aged under 23) but less than £100,000. The lower figure is based on 16 working hours per week on at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage. There are several exceptions to the general guidelines, though, and it is therefore wise to consult the more detailed eligibility information available here.

How to Apply

Applications for the Extended (30 hours) free childcare scheme must be made online via the Government website. Children are eligible to start using their free childcare in the term following their 3rd birthday, but parents can apply for it once they reach the age of 2 years and 36 weeks. Don’t leave your application too late because a code will be required in order for your childcare provider to access the childcare funding and you need to know that code in the month preceding the start of the term your child joins. The code will also need to be reconfirmed once every quarter.

Free Childcare for Disadvantaged 2-Year-Olds

Up to 570 Free Childcare Hours Available

Some disadvantaged children aged 2 can also receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.
This usually equates to 15 hours of free childcare each week over 38 weeks of the year.
As with some the schemes above, some childcare providers may be able to spread the hours out in a different way, e.g. less hours per week over more weeks of the year.
The childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible, children’s parents/carers must be in receipt of one or more qualifying Government benefits. These include JSA, ESA, Income Support and Universal Credit amongst others. Household income and any savings must also fall below certain thresholds.

Children may also be eligible, however, if they are in an ‘additional needs’ category. For example, they receive Disability Living Allowance, have an ECH Plan, are being looked after by the local authority, have left care under certain types of order, or fall into another specific category. Some non-UK citizens may also be eligible. More details are available here.

How to Apply

You can apply via your local childcare provider or council.

Tax-Free Childcare

£2,000 to £4,000 in Free Childcare Potentially Available

For those that are eligible, up to £2,000 in free childcare is available each year to children aged 11 or under* through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
For disabled children up to the age of 16 inclusive*, up to £4,000 may be available.
The funding is paid into a special online Childcare account and equates to a maximum of either £500 or £1,000 per quarter, as appropriate.

* Children are no longer eligible from 1st September in the year that they are 11 years of age, or 16 if disabled.

The free childcare funding is funded by the Government via the online Childcare account, which the parent (or even their relative or friend) pay into. For every £8 they pay in, the Government will top up the account by an additional £2, up to the maximum(s) described above. The funding is paid from the account direct to the registered childcare provider, who must be signed up to the scheme. It can be used for no other purpose.

Eligibility

This particular scheme is quite widely available. Although it is means tested, the bar is set quite high. Each parent (or a parent and their partner if they have one) can be earning up to £100,000 per year yet be eligible. Generally speaking, they should also be earning no less than the equivalent of 16 working hours per week on at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage, although there are exceptions to the rule.

Aside from household income and the age of children, which we covered above, there are additional rules around eligibility relating to job status, immigration status, and your child’s circumstances. More information is available here.

How to Apply

You can apply for Tax-Free Childcare here.

Childcare Vouchers

(Closed to New Applicants)

A.k.a. Employer-Supported Childcare

You can sacrifice up to £55 per week of your earnings, which will be free of National Insurance and Income Tax, to fund Childcare Vouchers.
Closed to new applicants but see the Eligibility section below for more information.

Eligibility

This scheme is still available, through participating employers, but only to those who joined it before 4 October 2018. However, it is closed to new applicants. Exactly how much of your earnings you can use in this salary sacrifice scheme will depend on the date you joined the scheme and how much you earn.

More information is available here.

Free Childcare Through Universal Credit

Following the Spring Budget 2023, childcare funding through Universal Credit is to be improved with nearly 50% more generous funding becoming available from July 2023.
The proposed changes will also mean that the childcare funding will be pre-paid by the Government from that date, rather than families having to pay for it first and then claim it back (as is the case at time of writing, April 2023).
This funding will increase to as much as £951 per month for one child or £1,630 per month for 2, from July 2023. Before that date the maximums are £646.35 and £1,108.04 respectively.
The maximum eligible families can claim, however, is 85% of their childcare costs, which for some may be lower than the figures stated above.

Eligibility

You or your partner, if you have one, must usually be working, be on a low income and claiming Universal Credit. The child you are claiming free childcare for must be under 17. How much you earn and the level of any investments and savings you might have will be taken into account when you claim and other criteria and caveats will also affect your eligibility.

How to Apply

You can apply for Universal Credit here or call them on 0800 328 5644.

Free Childcare Through Tax Credits

(Closed to New Applicants)

Claim Back up to 70% of Childcare Costs if Eligible

Those already claiming for childcare costs via Working Tax Credits may be able to obtain up to £122.50 for one or £210.00 for more than one child each week.
This is up to a maximum of 70% of eligible childcare costs.
Funding is paid, retrospectively, to the parent/carer’s bank/building society account.

Eligibility

As this scheme is closed to new applicants, new claimants will need to apply for free childcare through Universal Credit instead (details are shown above). Existing claimants will need to use an approved childcare provider (properly registered etc.) that provides the childcare in person, not online.

More information is available here.

Free Childcare for Children Aged from 9 Months

(Coming Soon)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed radical improvements to childcare funding in his 2023 Spring Budget in March 2023. These include the following additions for eligible children of working parents:

2-year-olds may be eligible for the ’15 Hours’ scheme from April 2024.
Children aged from just 9 months may be eligible for the ’15 Hours’ scheme from September 2024.
Children aged from 9 months to 3 years may become eligible for the ’30 Hours’ scheme from September 2025.
Eligibility for the above will follow the same criteria as currently in place for the existing ’30 hours’ scheme (a.k.a. Extended Free Childcare) for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Learn more about the coming changes to childcare funding for children aged from 9 months here.

Student Childcare Grants

Undergraduate Students Can Receive up to 85% of Childcare Costs

Up to 85% of childcare costs incurred by students may be claimed, up to a maximum of £188.90 per week for 1 child or £323.85 for 2 or more (correct for academic year 2023-2024).
For the academic year 2022-2023, the figures are £183.75 and £315.03 respectively.
The grant is paid into a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account and the childcare provider will request payments from this, usually weekly, as appropriate.

Eligibility

Eligibility rules include the following:

You need to be a full-time student studying in higher education and living permanently in England;
You need to be eligible for undergraduate student finance based on income, which must be under a certain threshold;
You cannot have a postgraduate loan nor be claiming other specific types of childcare funding, including childcare help from the NHS;
Your child must be financially dependent on you;
Your child should be under 15 (17 if they have special educational needs).
Other caveats apply.

More information is available here.

How to Apply

You can apply for the Student Childcare Grant at the same time as applying for your main student finance.

Childcare Funding via the Care to Learn Scheme

Up to £175 per child per week may be available.

Up to £160 per child is available each week for those living outside London.
For those inside London, that increases to a maximum of £175 per child each week.
The payment can be used to fund childcare, childcare deposit and registration fees, childcare taster days or sessions and even travel to/from the provider.

Eligibility

You will need to be under 20 when you begin your course, be your child’s main carer, live in England and be a British citizen (or legally be allowed to live/study in England). Your properly-registered childcare provider and the course you are studying on will need to qualify for the scheme. Courses will need to be publicly-funded ones, provided in specific types of setting including sixth form schools/colleges, schools, colleges and other types of provider. However, they cannot be higher education courses at universities. Attendance of both the course by the student and of childcare sessions by the child will need to be good in order to continue to qualify.

More information is available here.

How to Apply

Apply for the Care to Learn scheme here.

Childcare Funding via the Learner Support Scheme

Suitable for Over-20s Studying in Further Education

While it’s not designed to fund childcare, it can be used to do so in some circumstances.
Your specific circumstances will govern exactly what help and how much funding is available to you.

Eligibility

If used to fund childcare, the Learner Support Scheme is suitable for students studying in further education to Level 3 inclusive. They must be parents and also be facing financial hardship in order to qualify. The childcare provider must be registered with Ofsted.

More information is available here.

How to Apply

Student parents should apply through their learning provider, e.g through the college they are studying at.

It’s worth noting that some of the schemes above can be used in tandem with one another, while others strictly cannot. Check the links for more information about each for more details.

Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

High Quality Childcare Provision for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers in Streatham

Little Cedars is officially a good nursery/pre-school and offers high quality childcare in Streatham, London SW16. Subject to eligibility and availability, we support Government childcare funding schemes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children under five at the setting.

If you haven’t yet visited, why not bring your little one for a guided tour and you’ll soon see how well they fit in. We’re happy to answer any questions and would welcome your application for a childcare place. Please get started with your application or contact us using an option below and we’ll be delighted to help:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

We are located in Streatham, close to Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton.

19 April 2023/by Mark

Childcare, Childcare Funding, Early Years Education, Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), Learning & Development, Nurseries, Nursery, Pre-schools, Preschool, Preschoolers, Streatham, SW16, Under-5s

The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) — Explained

Improving Education for Disadvantaged 3- & 4-Year-Olds

If your child is aged 3 or 4 and fits the eligibility requirements, they could benefit from up to £342 per year* in extra support through the Early Years Pupil Premium (‘EYPP’). In essence, the scheme is designed to level the playing field in children’s early years education if they are disadvantaged in one or more specific ways.

What is the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)?

The Early Years Pupil Premium is a UK Government scheme that provides additional funding to early years providers to support 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families as well as from some other types of disadvantaged background.

For those that are eligible, the EYPP funding is in addition to the more regular funding schemes available to children of their age.

How is the EYPP Funding Used?

The EYPP funding is intended to help close the gap in development and school readiness between children from low-income families and their more affluent or advantaged peers. Early years providers will use the EYPP funding to provide additional support and resources that enhance the learning and development of those specific, disadvantaged, children under their care. It may be used solely for an individual child or pooled to support a group of eligible children with similar support needs.

Providers can use the funding in a variety of ways to support the children in their care. Examples include:

Hiring additional staff to provide one-to-one support;
Covering extra hours worked by existing staff working to support eligible children;
Providing extra resources (e.g. books, loan libraries, specific equipment etc.) to enhance learning and development;
Offering additional activities and even trips to extend children’s experiences where such would be deemed advantageous;
Supporting children with additional needs or disabilities;
Providing improved training/professional development to staff involved in helping affected children;
Providing support to children when approaching the time when they transition to school;
Providing home visits in some circumstances (e.g. where a deeper understanding of the child’s home life may help them settle at the childcare setting);
Providing information (e.g. leaflets, diagrams, even videos for the parents of the supported child).

Early years providers will need to demonstrate that the extra support has, indeed, been used in an appropriate way for the benefit of the child(ren) whom it was intended to support. This will be checked by Ofsted during their inspections.

How is the EYPP Funding Paid?

The EYPP funding is paid by local authorities direct to early years providers such as nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders. It is paid on behalf of specific, eligible children and can only be paid to effective Ofsted-registered providers. It should be noted that, should the child move to a different early years provider for any reason, the funding would ‘follow’ them to the new provider. N.B. They would need to fit eligibility as a provider.

Eligibility Requirements for EYPP Funding

To be eligible for the EYPP funding, a child must meet certain criteria:

Eligible children should be aged 3 or 4;
The provider that receives the funding on behalf of the child must be an Ofsted-registered early years provider;
The family should be in receipt of at least one of a list of specific benefits or tax credits, or have a low income or …
Alternatively, the child may be under the care of a local authority in England or Wales, or have left that care via an Adoption Order, Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order.

Eligibility will need to be re-checked each year to ensure that criteria are still being met.

How to Apply for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

After checking eligibility, interested families or guardians can either contact their local authority or contact an eligible childcare provider. (If you are in Streatham, contact Little Cedars Nursery using one of the coloured buttons below). Either way, ask about the EYPP funding and the process for applying for it. You will then be guided through the application process and will be provided information about any documentation that is required. The approval process can take some time, so parents should be patient while they wait for a decision. Once the application is approved, the provider will start using the EYPP funding to provide additional support and resources to the child.

To Sum Up:

The EYPP can play an important role in providing targeted support to some disadvantaged children, helping to close the gap in learning, development and school readiness.

Little Cedars Nursery — High Quality Childcare in Streatham

Little Cedars Nursery provides high quality nursery and pre-school places for under-fives in Streatham, London SW16. We support all Government schemes for free childcare for eligible children aged from 3 months to five years and would be happy to discuss options with parents/guardians.

Would you like to reserve a childcare place for your child at Little Cedars Nursery? If so, or if you have questions or would like to see the nursery in action, please get started using an appropriate button below.

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

Based in Streatham, Little Cedars is a nursery and pre-school that’s conveniently close to Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton.

^{* Details correct at time of writing (January 2023). E&OE.}

30 January 2023/by Mark

Babies, Childcare, Early Years, Free Childcare, Free stuff, Funding, Infants, Nurseries, Nursery, Parenting, Pre-schools, Preschool, Streatham, SW16, Toddlers, Under-5s

Baby Banks – Free Help for Families

Today’s post will appeal to families who are finding the current financial climate particularly challenging. With energy costs and inflation so high, the following may represent a welcome piece of good news. Today we highlight the many Baby Banks that are popping up all around the UK and explain how they can help struggling families, all for free.

Baby Banks are a fabulous resource for families. In recent years, they have become very popular with families experiencing harder times, especially since the outbreak of Covid and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis. With such things putting a real squeeze of family finances, Baby Banks are really coming into their own to help families, their babies and children.

What’s a Baby Bank?

A Baby bank is a similar concept to a food bank. However, instead of food and drink, it provides second-hand clothing, toys and equipment for babies, under-fives and often even for children up to the age of 16 in some cases. Baby Banks can also be compared to a charity shop, however, with baby banks, everything is free.

What Can Families Get at Baby Banks?

Exactly what families can get depends on the particular Baby Bank itself and, of course, stock levels at any given time. Some things are more in demand than others too and exactly what items are stocked also varies between different Baby Banks. Here are some examples, however, of the typical kinds of things available to families from Baby Banks, all for free:

Clothes for babies, toddlers and children.	Toys and other types of play equipment.
Towels, blankets and bedding.	Nappies and wet wipes.
Cots, Moses baskets, cribs.	Bottles and sterilising equipment.
Baby carriers.	Baby foods and formula milk.
Prams, pushchairs and strollers.	Toiletries.
High chairs, table-top feeding chairs, floor seats etc.	Baby baths, including for newborns and older babies.
Baby bouncing chairs and baby rockers.	Even car seats in some cases.

Example

Little Village’s video is well worth watching and really brings home how excellent and crucial Baby Banks are.

How Can Families Access Items from Baby Banks?

Baby Banks are run by all sorts of different people and organisations and therefore the rules around actually getting ones hands on the free items vary from Baby Bank to Baby Bank. Some accept requests for items directly from families themselves. Others only deal via a referral from some kind of professional. Examples include social workers, family support agencies, teachers, family centres, health visitors, medical professionals, food banks and women’s refuges. So, once you have located your nearest Baby Bank, you will need to check whether they will deal with you directly or only through such a referral. Either way, you will usually need to agree a time and date for collection of your item with the Baby Bank (you can’t usually just turn up, although there are exceptions). Not all Baby Banks are open all week and that’s another reason to check with Baby Banks or their websites first.

Can Families Donate Used Items to Baby Banks?

Absolutely! Baby Banks rely on the generous donations from families that no long require their baby clothes or equipment. Perhaps the child has grown out of them and the items are still in good condition, or perhaps they were an unwanted gift. Donating items is also a great way to declutter and to make space in the home, as well as helping others. However, before donating to a Baby Bank, always check with them to see if all your proposed items are required and, as before, ensure you know whether an appointment is needed or whether you can just turn up with your items. Certain rules may also apply around the condition and type of items (this varies depending upon which Baby Bank you are dealing with). Baby car seats and electronic items may also have special rules due to the extra safety considerations.

Where Can I Find My Nearest Baby Bank?

There’s a great resource that maps the location and information for over 200 Baby Banks throughout the UK. While this may not include absolutely every Baby Bank, it’s a great place to start looking for your nearest one. Access the interactive map by clicking the map image. You can zoom in or out and click individual map ‘pins’ to pop up contact details for each.

Baby Banks Near Streatham

Our nursery is in Streatham, so we thought we’d check what’s available near us. After all, it may help our nursery’s many families. According to the interactive map, the three Baby Banks closest to Streatham are Little Village Baby Bank in Wandsworth, Growbaby Baby Bank in Merton and Sutton Vineyard Lighthouse Baby Bank in Sutton. Their products appear to be free regardless of family income, faith or circumstance. Each provides used but good quality clothing and equipment for babies and children. According to their websites, Little Village is the only one of the three that requires a referral. Here are their details:

Little Village, Wandsworth	Growbaby, Merton	Sutton Vineyard Lighthouse
SW17 7AP \| Website \| Email	CR4 2HA \| Website \| Email	SM1 1PR \| Website \| Email

Free Childcare Options for Streatham Families at Little Cedars Nursery

Little Cedars Nursery supports Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families and this is another way they can save significant money. We support schemes for 15 hours per week of free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds, 15 hours of free childcare per week for 3 & 4-year-olds living in England and up to 30 hours per week for them if eligible for the top-up. We also support students requiring childcare through Student Childcare Grants & Schemes, families accessing Tax-Free Childcare, Free Childcare through Universal Credit, Childcare Vouchers and so on.

We are a high quality childcare nursery and pre-school in Streatham, also being close and convenient to those in Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss childcare funding options or a place for your child at the nursery. We’ll be happy to help. Please choose a button below to get started:

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

30 November 2022/by Mark

Babies, Childcare, Childcare Funding for Students, Education, Free Childcare, Funding, Infants, Nurseries, Nursery, Parenting, Parents, Pre-schools, Preschool, Preschoolers, Streatham, SW16, Toddlers, Under-5s

Childcare Funding Schemes for Students

Are you a student as well as a parent? If so, there are several Government schemes that offer help with childcare costs, some of which will save student parents substantial amounts of money. By doing so, they also make the prospect of juggling parenthood with being a student much more manageable. Today we examine the key childcare funding options, including how the type of course and the age of the parent affect eligibility.

For Student Parents Studying in Full-Time Higher Education

The Student Childcare Grant

The Student Childcare Grant is essentially free childcare funding and does not have to be repaid.

The very generous Student Childcare Grant is available for eligible students who who are studying full-time on a higher education course and have dependent children aged 14 or under (16 or under if they have special needs).

Additional eligibility factors regarding the Childcare Grant for Students:

You must either receive, or be eligible to receive, undergraduate Student Finance based on your household income.
The Student Childcare Grant is available in addition to any standard Student Finance that may be in place for you.
The grant does not have to be paid back.
It can cover up to 85%* of an eligible student’s childcare fees.
However, the most it will pay out for childcare each week is £183.75* if you have one eligible child, or £315.03* for more than one.
The child or children mentioned in your application must be financially dependent on you.
You, the parent, must be a permanent resident in England.
You are not eligible for the Childcare Grant for Students if you are in receipt of a Postgraduate Loan.
You are also not eligible for the Student Childcare Grant if you, or your partner if you have one, claim Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit or the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.
Families who get financial support through the National Health Service are also not eligible.

The Student Childcare Grant is paid into a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account and an eligible childcare provider will be paid directly from this once the course has begun. There are strict rules around eligibility for the childcare provider, including that they must be properly registered as such (e.g. with Ofsted or the General Childcare Register) and cannot be a relative if the childcare is taking place at home.

Find out more about Student Childcare Grants and the application process here.

For Student Parents (20+) Studying in Further Education & Facing Financial Hardship

The ‘Learner Support’ Scheme

If you are aged 20 or over, are a parent studying in further education for a qualification on a Level 3 course or below and are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for childcare funding under the Learner Support scheme. This funding could help you with childcare and other study-related costs if you fit the right eligibility criteria.

How much childcare funding you are eligible for through the scheme depends upon your exact circumstances and income. The childcare provider, though, must be Ofsted-registered.

Those studying in higher education and in receipt of Student Finance are not eligible, nor are those studying on a Community Learning course. There are also some specific rules for those who are helped via the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund.

Find out more about childcare funding through the Learner Support Scheme, including how to apply for it, here.

For Student Parents Under 20 Studying on a Publicly-Funded Course

The ‘Care to Learn’ Scheme

If you are a parent as well as a student aged under 20 when you begin one of a range of publicly-funded courses in England, you may be eligible for childcare funding through the Care to Learn bursary scheme. If eligible, you could claim as much as £175 in childcare per week, per child if you live in London, reducing to £160 per week, per child, outside London.

Care to Learn funding can be used for the standard childcare costs as well as both a deposit and a registration fee. It can even be used to fund a childcare ‘taster’ period of up to 5 days for your child and to fund your travel costs to/from the childcare setting. What’s more, it can also be used to secure your childcare place during Summer Holidays.

Publicly-funded courses that fit in with the scheme include schools, sixth-form schools/colleges, academies, some colleges and a few other types of setting. However, your course must not be a higher education course at a university, nor can you claim if you are studying as an apprentice and receive payment for it.

Your childcare provider must be either Ofsted-registered, a school, or registered with a childminding agency. However, if so, they can be a nursery, pre-school, playgroup, out-of-school club or simply a childminder. They receive payments direct, but can only claim payments once they have confirmed both your attendance on your course and your child’s attendance at the childcare setting.

Find out more about the Care to Learn Scheme and how to apply here.

Free Childcare for Streatham Students at Little Cedars Nursery

Little Cedars supports all official childcare funding schemes and offers high quality childcare at it’s nursery and pre-school in Streatham. We may therefore suit parents who are also students studying at one of the many schools, sixth-forms, colleges, universities and training centres nearby, including around Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton. We would be happy to discuss childcare funding options with any parent and can often point people in the right direction, including knowledge on eligibility, applications and actual funding. If you’d like to know more or would like to reserve a childcare place for your child at the nursery, please follow the buttons below.

Apply for a Place Arrange a Visit or Message Us 020 8677 9675

^{* Figures are correct at time of writing (October 2022) in relation to the academic year 2022-2023.}

31 October 2022/by Mark