Free early education for 3 and 4 year olds
Parents are able to claim free early education at St Hilda’s Nursery the term after their child turns 3 years. We offer 15 hours free funding, spread over 5 days for 3 hours per day.
We offer two options:
- Our current and preferred nursery session is 8.15am-12.00pm. The cost for the extra part of the session is £12 per day, invoiced in advance. This can be paid for using childcare vouchers.
- Alternatively your child may just attend for the 15 funded hours from 8.30am-11.30am. Any changes to this should be made on a termly basis.
| If your child’s birthday is between…. | You can start using your free hours from… |
| 1st January – 31st March | 1st April (after their 3rd birthday) |
| 1st April – 31st August | 1st September (after their 3rd birthday) |
| 1 September – 31st December | 1st January (after their 3rd birthday) |
A parent declaration form must be completed in order to receive funding.
More information can be found at:
Understanding Your Funding Options
At St Hilda’s Harpenden, we aim to make the funding process as clear and straightforward as possible for families. The government-funded early education entitlement provides an excellent opportunity for children to benefit from high-quality nursery provision, while also supporting parents with childcare costs. Our team is always available to guide you through the options and help you choose the arrangement that best suits your family’s needs.
Flexible Sessions to Suit Families
We understand that every family’s routine is different, which is why we offer flexibility within our funded provision. Whether you choose the extended morning session or the fully funded hours, both options are designed to provide a rich, engaging and supportive learning environment. The extended session offers additional time for social interaction, exploration and enrichment activities, enhancing your child’s overall experience.
High-Quality Early Years Experience
All funded hours at St Hilda’s Nursery are delivered within a carefully planned Early Years curriculum. Children benefit from a balance of structured activities and child-led learning, supporting their development across all areas, including communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional wellbeing. Our experienced staff ensure that every child is nurtured, challenged and encouraged to thrive.
Simple Application Process
To access funding, parents are required to complete a declaration form, which confirms eligibility and allows the funding to be applied. Our admissions team will support you through this process, ensuring everything is completed accurately and on time. We recommend submitting forms promptly to secure your child’s place and avoid any delays in accessing funded hours.
Further Information and Support
If you would like to learn more about funding or discuss your options in detail, we encourage you to contact St Hilda’s Harpenden directly. Our team will be happy to answer any questions and provide personalised guidance, ensuring you feel confident and informed at every stage of your child’s early education journey.
