Childcare Funding & Free Nursery Hours in Kirkstall
Understanding childcare funding in Kirkstall can feel overwhelming, especially with different Government schemes and changing eligibility criteria. At The Tots Team, we’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible, helping families understand what support may be available and how funded childcare can be used at our nursery.
As a family-run nursery caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years, we’re happy to guide parents through the available funding options, explain how they work alongside our nursery sessions, and answer any questions you may have.
- Award-winning nursery recognised by Daynurseries.co.uk in 2025 & 2026
- Warm, family-run environment with a home-from-home feel
- Dedicated Key Person for every child
- Free, phased settling-in sessions
- Daily communication and strong parent partnerships
- Fresh meals prepared on site
- Secure indoor and outdoor learning environments
Speak to our team on 0113 513 8569 or email info@thetotsteam.com
Government-Funded Childcare at The Tots Team
The Government offers funded childcare to many families, helping reduce the cost of early years education while giving children the opportunity to learn, play and develop in a nurturing environment.
At The Tots Team, we welcome funded children wherever places are available and explain clearly how funded hours can be used alongside our nursery sessions.
Funding rules and eligibility can change, so we recommend checking the latest official guidance or speaking directly with our team for the most up-to-date information.
Government Funding Consumable Fee
Please note that government-funded childcare hours cover the cost of childcare provision only.
To help cover these costs, we charge a small, voluntary, resource contribution of £12 for a full-day session or £6 for a half-day session. We have kept this charge as low as possible, and it is significantly cheaper than the additional charges applied by many other nurseries. The fee includes nappies, wipes, and food throughout your child’s time at nursery.
What Childcare Funding May Be Available?
Depending on your family’s circumstances, you may be eligible for different childcare funding schemes.
Funding may include:
- Funded childcare for eligible children from 9 months old
- 15 funded hours per week for eligible families
- 30 funded hours per week for eligible working parents
- Funded childcare before starting school
The exact support available depends on your child’s age and your personal circumstances.
If you’re unsure which option applies to you, our team can guide you through the process during your enquiry.
Get in touch today to discuss your options.
Who Is Eligible for Funded Childcare?
Eligibility is set by the Government and may depend on:
- Your child’s age
- Whether you are working
- Household circumstances
- Current Government funding criteria
Because every situation is different, it’s important to confirm your eligibility before arranging childcare.
We’re always happy to explain how funding works in practice at our Kirkstall nursery and what it means for your childcare arrangement.
How Can I Use My Funded Hours?
Many parents want to understand how funded childcare works in real life.
At The Tots Team, funded hours can be used alongside our nursery sessions, helping families combine Government support with high-quality childcare.
We’ll guide you through:
- How funded hours fit around your attendance pattern
- How sessions are structured
- What options are available depending on availability
- What to expect before your child starts
Every family’s needs are different, so we work closely with you to create a childcare arrangement that works for you.
For full details on sessions and pricing, visit our Nursery Fees page
Why Choose The Tots Team for Funded Childcare?
Choosing a nursery is about more than funding. It’s about trust, safety and knowing your child will be supported every day.
Families choose The Tots Team because we offer:
- Award-winning childcare recognised by Daynurseries.co.uk in 2025 & 2026
- Family-run nursery with a personal, home-from-home feel
- Dedicated Key Person approach for consistency and reassurance
- Free settling-in sessions to support a smooth transition
- Fresh meals prepared daily by our in-house chef
- Secure outdoor learning environments
- Daily updates and clear communication with parents
- Purpose-designed rooms for every stage of development
We are also proud of the positive feedback highlighted in our Ofsted inspection, including:
- Children feel safe, secure and supported
- Staff build warm, positive relationships
- Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time
- Strong partnerships with parents
- Children develop a real sense of belonging
Supporting You Throughout Your Childcare Journey
Applying for childcare funding can feel confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team is here to:
- Answer questions about funding and eligibility
- Explain how funded hours work at our nursery
- Help you understand your childcare options
- Guide you through the registration process
- Arrange a visit so you can explore our nursery
We believe strong parent partnerships and clear communication are at the heart of everything we do.
Book a visit today via our Contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Tots Team accept Government-funded childcare?
Yes. We accept funded childcare for eligible children, subject to availability.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
Eligibility is set by the Government. You can check online or speak to our team for guidance.
Can funded hours be combined with nursery sessions?
Yes. Many families combine funded hours with additional sessions to suit their schedule.
Will funding cover all childcare costs?
Funding varies depending on eligibility and attendance. We will explain clearly how it applies to your chosen sessions.
Can you help me understand the process?
Yes. We’re always happy to talk you through how funding works and what steps to take next.
Book a Visit & Discuss Your Childcare Funding Options in Kirkstall
Choosing the right nursery means finding a place where your child feels safe, supported and encouraged to thrive.
At The Tots Team, we combine clear guidance on childcare funding with a warm, family-run environment where children can grow in confidence every day.
If you’re looking for childcare funding in Kirkstall or exploring your options in Headingley and Leeds, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
Call us on 0113 513 8569 Email info@thetotsteam.com
