EDUCOMPARE EARLY YEARS KNOWLEDGE BASE

Answers to the questions parents search for.

Search practical, parent-friendly information about funding, childcare, EYFS, choosing a setting, starting nursery and preparing for school.

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Funding

Childcare Funding England 2026: 15 and 30 Hours Explained

A parent-friendly guide to funded childcare in England, including the 15-hour and 30-hour entitlements, eligibility and when to apply.

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Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds: Who Can Get It?

Understand the main routes to funded early education for eligible 2-year-olds in England and what parents should check with a setting.

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Can Nurseries Charge Extra for Funded Hours? What Parents Should Ask

Understand why funded childcare can still involve additional costs and what parents should ask before accepting a place.

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What Is Stretched Funding? Using Funded Hours Across More Weeks

What parents mean by 'stretching' funded childcare and what to ask a nursery about spreading hours across the year.

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Tax-Free Childcare Explained for Parents

A simple guide to Tax-Free Childcare, who may qualify and how it fits alongside other childcare support.

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Universal Credit Childcare Costs: What Parents Need to Know

How childcare costs can interact with Universal Credit and why parents should check the latest rules before claiming.

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