Fees & Funding At white stork
Choosing the right nursery is a big decision, and understanding nursery fees, childcare funding options, and how government-funded early education works is an important part of that process. At White Stork Nursery, we aim to make our fees, funding, and registration as clear and transparent as possible, helping families navigate everything from 15 and 30 hours funded childcare, to tax-free childcare, early years entitlement, and support with childcare costs. Whether you’re exploring full‑day nursery places, sessional care, or want to understand how funding is applied to your nursery fees, this page provides all the information you need to plan confidently for your child’s early education. We’re committed to offering high‑quality childcare with flexible options that work for families, ensuring you can make the most of the funding and financial support available to you.
Fees Explained
Joining White Stork
Our nursery offers a number of tours each term for parents. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Owners, tour the nursery, meet senior educators, and ask any questions. Please note there will be a deposit of £250*, this will be refunded off your first invoice if you attend White Stork. A £60 registration fee* will also be required which is non-refundable and will secure you a place on our waiting list and will assist the administration costs towards the registration process.
Families are welcome in the meantime to complete an enquiry form, this is free and will ensure we keep you informed of key dates and developments at the Nursery.
*Please note parents claiming early learning for 2 year olds funding will not be required to pay the deposit and the registration fee will be refunded if you attend White Stork under government guidance.
About Government Funding
30 Hours Funded Childcare
Funding for working families from 9 months to 4 year olds
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This extended entitlement helps working parents balance their careers and home life. Eligibility usually requires each parent to earn at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours a week. It’s essential to apply via the Childcare Service website to receive your code before the termly deadline to secure your funded place at White Stork.
Universal 15 hours fundeD
Funded childcare for 3 to 4 year olds in England
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This is an automatic entitlement that doesn't require a special code or application to the government. It’s designed to give every child a head start in their education, focusing on social skills and school readiness. Simply provide us with your child's birth certificate, and we can apply the funding the term after they turn three.
Early Learning for 2 year olds
15 Hours support for families in England who claim extra support
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This specific support is often referred to as "Golden Ticket" funding. It is aimed at families who may be receiving benefits or whose children have additional needs. It provides a nurturing environment for two-year-olds to explore and learn. To check if you qualify, you can apply through your local authority’s website or your local Children’s Centre.
Alternative government funding routes
While many families are familiar with the 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare, there are several other ways to reduce your monthly costs or access additional support for your child’s specific needs. These schemes can often be used alongside funded hours to help cover top-up fees or extra sessions.
Explore the options below to see which support matches your family's circumstances:
Quick Tip: You can use more than one scheme. For example, parents often use Tax-Free Childcare alongside their 30-hour funded childcare code to pay for any remaining balance or additional sessions.
Using Your Funding
Understanding Our Funded Sessions
At White Stork, we are committed to providing the very best environment for your little one to thrive. While the government provides funded hours, this funding is designed to cover high-quality education and care only, it does not cover the cost of our fresh wholesome meals, daily essentials, or our specialised enrichment activities.
To ensure we can maintain the high standards you expect for your child, we offer two ways to access your funded sessions:
1. The ‘All-Inclusive’ Experience
This is our most popular option. It ensures your child enjoys the full White Stork experience without you having to worry about the little things. When you use your funding within this contract, any charges include our globally-inspired menu, high-quality consumables, and extra-curricular fun.
2. The ‘Funded Only’ Session
We believe that every child deserves a great start. For families who prefer not to access our inclusive extras, we offer a Funded Only route. If you want to purchase extras for your fully funded sessions, please find the costs in the table below. At White Stork we will always check if your additional extras would be cheaper on the all inclusive option and inform you of this.
*Please note these sessions will be reduced times as full day options are unavailable and may be limited to specific off-peak times to help us manage nursery capacity. To discuss further please enquire, and this will be explained on your tour.
Item List | Cost | |
Meals | Breakfast | £5.50 |
Lunch | £5.50 | |
Tea | £5.50 | |
Snack | £5 | |
Consumables | £10 | |
For full details of the fees at White Stork Nursery
When & How To Apply
1. Check your eligibility
Most working families with children aged 9 months to 4 years can now access 15 or 30 hours of funding.
2. Gather your information
Have your National Insurance number, child’s birth certificate, and employment details ready to start your application.
3. Apply online
Submit your application through the GOV.UK Childcare Service portal to see which funding you are entitled to.
4. Recieve your code
Once your application is approved, the government will issue you a unique 11-digit eligibility code for your child.
5. Share your code with us
Provide our team with your 11-digit code and your child’s date of birth so we can verify your place.
6. Reconfirm every 3 months
Log into your government account every three months to reconfirm your details and keep your funding active.
The funding starts the term after your child reaches the eligible age. You should apply for up to 30 hours of funded childcare when your child is 23 weeks old.
Child’s Birthday | When you can claim | Recommended apply time |
1st Jan to 31st March | Term starting on or after 1st April | 15th Jan to 28th Feb |
1st April to 31st August | Term starting on or after 1st Sept | 15th June to 31th July |
1st Sept to 31st Dec | Term starting on or after 1st Jan | 15th Oct to 30th Nov |
Fees & Funding FAQs
1. How do I apply for the 30 hours working parents entitlement?
You can apply online at GOV.UK.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:
- your National Insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self employed)
- the date you started or are due to start work
- details of any government support or benefits you receive
- the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child
If you are a foster carer, there is a separate application process. Speak to your social worker to find out more.
2. What happens once I receive my code?
You’ll need to give the code to your childcare provider, along with your National Insurance Number and your child’s date of birth. Your childcare provider will check the code and then allocate your child a place if available. We recommend parents speak with their chosen provider about when they will be able to offer them a place. We know that some providers are able to amend invoices, if they have issued them before a parent has received their code, so we recommend you speak to your provider if you are in this situation. Once you have received your code, you will need to reconfirm every 3 months even if you have not yet started using your entitlements.
3. How often do I need to log into my childcare account?
You need to log into your childcare account every 3 months to reconfirm that your details are up to date and that you remain eligible for the childcare entitlements for working parents and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
4. Who can get 15 hours for 3 to 4 year olds?
All 3 and 4-year-olds who live in England are entitled to 15 hours childcare a week, over 38 weeks a year the year, irrespective of income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances. However, as White Stork is open 50 weeks annually, we offer the stretched funding model to create a consistent invoice for parents across the year.
You can choose to take fewer hours over more weeks, if your childcare provider offers this option.
5. What are the eligibility criteria I need to meet to claim the 30 hours childcare for working parents?
Working parents in England who each earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage are eligible.
You’re eligible if you earn at least:
| Your age | Yearly | 3 Months | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over | £10,569 | £2,642 | £203.26 |
| 18 to 20 | £9,027 | £2,257 | £173.60 |
| Under 18 or an apprentice | £6,656 | £1,664 | £128 |
You can earn up to £100,000 adjusted net income per year and be eligible. If you have a partner who lives with you, they must also earn between these two amounts. The £100,000 adjusted net income level was chosen to correspond with income tax thresholds. See our eligibility criteria for more information, including the income requirements for those who are self-employed.
6. What is a stretched funding model?
If a nursery is open for more than 38 weeks (term time) then the setting can stretch the funding to ensure parents/guardians recieve a consistent invoice across the year.
At White Stork, we stretch 30 hours funded childcare across 50 weeks, meaning your child will recieve 22.5 free hours per week. For universal 15 hours funding this is also stretched to 50 weeks, giving children 11.4 free hours a week.