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:
Except for Safeguarding, the new Report Card will show Ofsted’s evaluation of each of the assessment areas as one of the following:
Childhood passes so quickly — a blur of breakfast times, nursery drop-offs, and bedtime stories. Yet every so often, something extraordinary happens: a moment that will light up a child’s eyes and linger in their memory for years to come. These are the magical moments that they never forget. They’re also moments that help shape how children see the world, their place within it — and sometimes even themselves.
Psychologists tell us that children build their sense of self through experiences that stir strong, positive emotions — especially awe, wonder, joy, and belonging. These feelings act as emotional anchors, shaping how safe, capable, and loved a child feels. When parents or caregivers create a moment that makes a child’s heart race or eyes widen with joy or wonder, they’re not just giving them a fun memory — they’re helping to build emotional security that lasts well into adulthood.
Magical childhood memories do not require grand holidays or costly toys. They’re far more likely to spring from connection, surprise, wonder, and imagination.
On a clear night, gently wake your child and wrap them in a blanket to watch a meteor shower or count shooting stars. Tell them about the Northern Lights, how they can wish on a star, how astronauts are planning to travel vast distances to Mars, and give them inspiration for their dreams. The quiet awe of the night sky will stay with them forever.
Leave a tiny note or drawing from the “garden fairies” or “forest pixies” thanking your child for something kind they’ve done — perhaps watering houseplants or helping a friend or sibling. It’s a simple act that blends imagination with a message of kindness and care. Perhaps take it a step further and encourage little ones to make mossy beds for the fairies, and a little home-made miniature shelter for them to sleep in. Take photos of them as a memento for your child.
Create small rituals that return every year — picking flowers in springtime to display around the home, having a “summer-solstice supper” in the garden, or putting out biscuits and carrots on Christmas Eve for Santa’s reindeer — be sure to show your little one how the carrots have been nibbled on Christmas morning! Such traditions will give children a comforting rhythm and a sense that life’s changes can be filled with fun and joy.
Pause for half an hour to watch the sunrise or sunset together, make wishes while blowing dandelion seeds into the breeze, or follow a butterfly in the park to see where it leads. These small acts teach children that magic is woven through the everyday world — they just have to stop a while and notice it sometimes.
As adults, those memories often become emotional landmarks: the glow of torchlight in a tent, the spectacle of a meteor streaking across the sky, the distinctive smell of campfire food being carried on the wind, and telling stories beneath a blanket. Such recollections help shape optimism and emotional well-being long after childhood ends. They are also the moments that, years later, children will recall fondly and still talk about.
Tantrums are a common part of life with toddlers and under-fives, but when they happen, they can be very challenging! Whether it’s a meltdown at dinner time or a dramatic on-the-floor outburst in the middle of the supermarket aisle, they can test even the most patient of parents and carers. However, it’s important to understand that tantrums aren’t a sign that something is wrong — they’re actually a normal, healthy stage of child development.
In their early years, children are still learning how to manage big emotions. There’s a mismatch, though; their brains are developing rapidly, but they haven’t yet mastered language, impulse control, or emotional regulation. So, when they’re tired, hungry, overstimulated, or frustrated, it can all become too much for them. 
When a tantrum starts, staying calm yourself is key. Your child will take emotional cues from you, their trusted adult. If you can remain steady, even if you’re feeling flustered inside, you send the message that you’re in control—and that they’re safe.
Avoid reasoning or explaining too much during a tantrum. When a child is overwhelmed, they’re unlikely to take much in. It’s often best to wait it out and stay close so they know they’re not alone. For some children, a gentle touch or hug might be helpful. Others may need a bit of space before they’re ready for comfort.
Offering limited choices — like “Would you like to wear the red jumper or the blue one?” — can also give them a sense of control without overwhelming them.
In today’s world, electronic screens are everywhere — from TVs and smartphones to tablets and games consoles. Even our youngest children are growing up in increasingly digital environments. While technology brings many conveniences, intentionally unplugging can offer profound benefits for little ones and their families. Whether it’s for a day, a weekend, a holiday, or even longer, the value gained from a ‘digital detox’ may surprise even the most dubious amongst us. Today’s post investigates.
Research consistently shows the positive effects of stepping away from our screens. Studies report that a digital detox can lead to decreased stress and anxiety, improved mood and well-being, and even better physical health through healthier, less sedentary, lifestyles. Pausing the use of electronic screens can even help reset our perception of time, making days feel longer, fuller, and more engaged.
When families go screen-free, the benefits extend well beyond the individual. Removing screens often rekindles face-to-face interactions and facilitates more laughter and unfiltered conversations within the family. Parents who’ve tried it report a renewed sense of connection and deeper engagement with their children. Even short periods of unplugging can turn into lasting changes—more shared stories, more creative play, and more real presence.
Better sleep for everyone with children tending to drop off more easily and adults feeling more rested.
Begin by designating screen-free boundaries, such as bedrooms or mealtimes, and/or set a daily screen-free hour in the evening.
The evidence clearly shows: families who have periods free of electronic screens will benefit. A digital detox enriches and elongates days. It enhances sleep quality for children and adults by facilitating their natural rhythms. Days feel more spacious and calm without digital distractions and imaginative play soon steps in and thrives. In the absence of screens, children are also likely to get outdoors more often — and benefit from everything nature and outdoor play have to offer. Mental health and even academic grades are also likely to improve when this happens.
At first glance, this devotion to a single story might seem puzzling. As adults, we crave novelty and variation, and it’s tempting to encourage children to explore new titles or gently steer them towards something ‘different’. But this desire for repetition is not only entirely normal for infants, toddlers and preschoolers — it’s actually a sign of healthy development. In fact, there’s a great deal happening beneath the surface every time your child requests a beloved book for the umpteenth time.
There is also an emotional component to repeated reading. When a child hears a favourite story in the voice of a parent or trusted adult, it creates a strong sense of connection. The warmth, tone and rhythm of familiar words spoken by someone they love reinforce a feeling of safety and belonging. For many children, this shared experience becomes part of their routine, and returning to a much-loved story can offer comfort in moments of transition, tiredness or uncertainty.
One of the clearest benefits of repeated reading is vocabulary development. Hearing the same words and phrases over time helps children internalise them. This is especially important when books introduce new or more complex language than a child might hear in everyday conversation. By encountering those words again and again in a familiar context, children begin to understand them more deeply and even start to use them in their own speech. The rhythm and rhyme found in many favourite books further support this by making the language more memorable and easier to imitate.
At home, parents or carers can support this by continuing to follow a child’s lead. If your child keeps choosing the same book, that’s a good thing — it means they’re connecting with it. You can enhance the experience by reading with enthusiasm, pausing to let your child fill in familiar lines, or asking gentle questions like “What happens next?” or “How do you think they feel here?” If your child wants to tell you the story instead, even better — this kind of role reversal strengthens memory, language, and storytelling abilities.
Eventually, children do move on. When they’ve had their fill of a particular book, they’re often ready to explore new stories with a richer set of skills in place. The comfort and confidence gained from repeated readings help them approach unfamiliar books with greater interest and less frustration. So rather than seeing repetition as a rut, it’s helpful to view it as a bridge — a way for children to move steadily from the familiar to the new.
Our practitioners are skilled at making repeated reading feel fresh and interactive, even when the story is already very familiar. By using expressive voices, gestures, and encouraging children to join in with key words or sounds, we help bring the story to life each time. Children are often invited to take on the role of storyteller themselves, turning pages, pointing to pictures, and even “reading” aloud from memory. These small but powerful moments help build confidence and strengthen communication skills in a way that feels natural and joyful.
Summer is in full swing from late June until late September*. It’s a wonderful season that brings with it many amazing things for children and families to look out for in nature. Indeed, that’s what today’s suggested activity is all about. We’ve created a free-to-download poster that highlights 20 things from nature that children, including under-fives, can look out for when they’re outdoors†. Whether it’s in gardens, on walks with family members, at the park, or out in the countryside, summer’s natural wonders are incredibly abundant when you take time to look.
Concepts involving numbers and counting can sometimes be tricky for some preschoolers to grasp. Making sense of such concepts is important, though, because many aspects of children’s day-to-day lives will require an increasing understanding of numbers as time passes. Whether it’s knowing if a quantity of something is more or less than something else, how much of an ingredient is required in a mixture, or what change to expect from a purchase, children will need to grasp number-based concepts — and understand their real-world applications. What’s more, they’ll need to do this sooner rather than later if they’re to thrive, not least when they leave early years settings to begin school.
Making ‘number cards’ with your child will be a fun and useful first step. These could be as simple as small pieces of paper or card, each having a single large number written clearly on them. Alternatively, your child could take the opportunity to get more creative. For example, you and your child could make the numbers bright and colourful, have patterned in-fills, or even be made to look like animals or number ‘characters’ that have eyes. For the very young, start with numbers up to 5, or go to 10 or even 20 for older and more advanced children. Size-wise, perhaps aim for cards sized at about A6 (a quarter of an A4 sheet) or even A7 (A4 divided into 8).
A more advanced form of the number cards could depict the correct number of dots (or other drawn objects) instead of — or as well as — the actual written number. So, for example, the ‘3’ card could show a column or row of 3 round dots or squares or even something like 3 drawn strawberries — whatever your child likes! In a way, it’s a bit like traditional playing cards where each has both a number and the right amount of hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades on it, to match the number.
This next game will require a set of dominoes or, if you don’t have a set, they’re also easy enough to make in a similar way to the number cards. As you may know, each half of every domino has a number of dots, most commonly from 1 to 6. So, for example, there might be two dots on one end and five on the other, with the dot formations being rather like those you’d see on dice.
Understanding whether a quantity of something is more or less than something else is an important concept for children to grasp. Similarly, being able to estimate a quantity is a useful and practical skill for little ones to master. Such concepts can easily be highlighted, and the skills mastered, using simple estimating games. Some examples follow.
Pretending to be a shopkeeper or a shopper buying from one is a great next step for children. What’s more, they’ll naturally love playing shops having, no doubt, accompanied parents to real shops. This is where they can put all the things they’ve learned from the games above into practice. They can check they have the right quantities, weights or volumes or products, check they’re giving the shopkeeper the right amount of money, ensure that any change is correct — and so on! Playing shops is such a great way to master numbers, counting, estimating, weighing, addition, subtraction and more!