Helpston Playhouse are proud to say that, subject to availability, we offer children either 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

15 Hours Eligibility:

All three and four-year-old children can currently receive up to 15 hours of funded early education per week. This is known as universal entitlement and is on offer to all families no matter their income.

Every 3-4 year old can receive 15 hours of funded childcare

570 Hours per year

This is split over the 42 weeks we are open

30 Hours Eligibility:

Additionally, your family could be eligible to receive an extra 15 hours of funded childcare for children over 9 months old a week – That’s right 30 hours!

You usually qualify to get 30 hours of funded childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

In employment

Earning at least the National minimum wage or living wage for 16 hours a week (£125.28)

Have a taxable income of under £100,000

UK Resident

1,140 Hours a year split across the 42 weeks we are open

Extra Support 15 Hours Scheme

If you do not qualify for the 30 hours free childcare, you might still be able to access 15 hours of free childcare before your child is 3 years old (before you qualify for universal entitlement. To check your eligibility, see the government website or apply via Peterborough City Council 15 hours funded childcare for families receiving additional support (Disadvantaged Entitlement) | Peterborough City Council

Tax-Free Childcare

Did you know that working families can additionally apply for tax-free childcare too? For every £0.80 a parent pays into an account, the government will contribute £0.20. To view the step by step guide visit the government site here: Tax-Free Childcare.

You can use tax-free childcare to pay for approved childcare for children up to age 11, or up to 16 if your child has a disability. If eligible, you can get up to £500 every three months, up to £2,000 a year, for each of your children. If your child is disabled, you can receive up to £4,000 a year.