Nursery Funding Explained

Funded Nursery Hours in East Sussex (from September 2025)

For Children Aged 9 Months to 4 Years

·Eligibility: Working parents can access up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare during term time (38 weeks per year). eastsussex.gov.uk

·Application Process: Visit the Best Start in Life website to check eligibility. Apply through the GOV.UK portal to obtain an 11-digit eligibility code. Provide this code to your chosen childcare provider. Reconfirm eligibility every three months to maintain funding. eastsussex.gov.uk

·Eligibility Criteria: Each parent must work at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage. Household income should not exceed £100,000 per year. If you're a single-parent family, you must meet the same criteria. eastsussex.gov.uk 

·Application Deadlines: For children turning 9 months between 1 April and 31 August, apply by 31 August to start receiving funded hours in September. Education Hub

·Funding Start Dates: Children turning 9 months between 1 September and 31 December can access funded hours from 1 January. Children turning 9 months between 1 January and 31 March can access funded hours from 1 April. GOV.UK 

Local Support in East Sussex

·Apply for Funding: Use the East Sussex County Council portal to apply for funded childcare hours.

·Eligibility Check: Visit the Best Start in Life website to verify your eligibility.