Funding & Places at SPC Preschool
We welcome children aged 2 to 4 years.
We currently have limited places available for:
2-year-olds: Mornings, afternoons and full day sessions
3 & 4-year-olds: Mornings, afternoons and full day sessions
September 2026 intake: Now enrolling!
Please contact us or applyonline.
Session Times:
We offer the following session times during school term dates (38 weeks per year):
Monday to Friday
Mornings: 7.30am to 12.30pm (Lunch is optional extra - served 12.30 to 1pm)
Afternoons: 1pm to 6pm (Lunch is optional extra - served 12.30 to 1pm)
Full day sessions: 7.30am to 6pm - full day sessions include lunch
School day sessions: 8.30am to 3.30pm - includes lunch (Please note the School day sessions are only available where a sibling attends St Peter Chanel Primary School)
You can drop off later than the opening time and pick up earlier than closing time, however the sessions have fixed fees per session.
Late pick ups after sessions will incur late pick up fees.
Government-Funded Childcare (2026–27)
We offer funded early education places for eligible families. Here’s what your family can get:
30 Hours for Working Families — including 2-year-olds
Since September 2025, eligible working families receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week (term time) from 9 months old until school age. Because we welcome children from age 2, working parents of 2, 3 and 4-year-olds can all use the full 30 hours with us. As a guide, each parent needs to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage, and under £100,000 adjusted net income.
Check your eligibility and apply at ChildcareChoices.gov.uk. Apply in the term before you need the place: by 31 August for a September start, 31 December for January, and 31 March for April.
15 Hours Universal Entitlement — all 3 & 4-year-olds
Every 3 and 4-year-old is entitled to 15 hours of funded early education per week during term time, whatever their parents’ working status. No application needed — just talk to us.
15 Hours for 2-year-olds (support-based)
Two-year-olds from families receiving certain benefits, and children with additional needs, qualify for 15 funded hours per week regardless of work status. Check eligibility here.
Tax-Free Childcare
For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 — worth up to £2,000 per child per year. You can use it alongside funded hours to pay for extra sessions and lunches. We accept this scheme. Find out more at gov.uk/tax-free-childcare.
Do 2-year-olds get funded hours at SPC Preschool?
Yes. Working families can get up to 30 funded hours per week for 2-year-olds (since September 2025), and some families qualify for 15 support-based hours. We’ll help you work out which applies to you — just call 020 8302 6029.
When should I apply for a funded place?
Apply for your code the term before you need it (by 31 August, 31 December or 31 March), and contact us early — popular sessions fill quickly.
How to Apply for a Place
Complete our Application Form
We’ll contact you to confirm availability and next steps
You can also email us directly at: admin@st-peterchanel.bexley.sch.uk
We recommend applying early, especially for popular sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my 30 hours across two providers?
Yes, you can split funding between providers, as long as it doesn’t exceed the 30-hour maximum.
Can I pay for extra sessions if I only get 15 hours?
Yes, additional hours can be booked (subject to availability) at our standard session rates.
Do I need to reapply for funding each term?
You may need to reconfirm your 30-hour code every 3 months via Gov.uk.
📞 Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help!
Call us on 0208 302 6029 or use our Contact Form.