Financial support
Find out about what financial support may be available to you.
We believe education should be accessible to all
Since 2001, our vision has been to be the best possible complement to a child’s school education and to be accessible to all young learners regardless of their means, background, or ability.
There are many ways to get support with your Explore Learning membership. Our centres in England are registered as Childcare providers on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register. This means that many families attending these centres can receive financial support with their membership costs. We also offer a scholarship programme.
What financial support are you eligible for?
Tax Free Childcare
Please note - you can only use Tax Free Childcare to help pay for memberships that include sessions in one of our in-person learning centres.
What is it?
This is a Government backed initiative that provides eligible families with a 20% saving on their childcare costs. For every 80p that is paid into a Tax Free Childcare account, the Government will pay in 20p (up to £2,000 per child per year) to help pay for approved childcare costs, such as Explore Learning.
Am i eligible?
You must be working (including self-employed), and if you have a partner they must be working too.
Your partner doesn’t have to be the other parent – it’s all based on who you live with.
You need to be earning a minimum of £140 p/week, and less than £100,000 p/year.
Your child(ren) must be 11 or younger (or 17 if your child is has a registered disability.)
Find full eligibility criteria or download our information pack.
Childcare Vouchers
Please note - you can only use Childcare Vouchers to help pay for memberships that include sessions in one of our in-person learning centres.
What is it?
The scheme is now closed to new entrants but Explore Learning centres will continue to accept vouchers from those who are already enrolled in a scheme through their employer.
Childcare Grant
Please note - you can only use Childcare Grant to help pay for memberships that include sessions in one of our in-person learning centres.
What is it?
A Childcare Grant is available to full-time students with a low household income and dependent children who are in approved childcare. The Childcare grant can be used to cover 85% of your membership fees, and we’ll collect the remaining 15% by Direct Debit.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for help with your learning costs if you:
are a full-time higher education student
have children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
Tuition from £18 / session
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Memberships to suit you
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No joining fee
In centre or online
Memberships to suit you
Cancel anytime
No joining fee
In centre or online
Memberships to suit you
Our scholarship scheme
What is it?
Our scholarship scheme gives a ⅓ off to families who are eligible to receive Free School Meals.
Due to its popularity, spaces are limited and there may be a waiting list in place at your local centre. Chat to the team at your local Explore Learning for more information and availability.
Please note – The scholarship scheme is not available for any membership packages that include a one-to-one session.
How does it work?
If your chosen centre has a space, we will ask you to bring proof of eligibility to your free trial session.
If you have already registered to receive Free School Meals you will have been given a 16 digit code when you applied. Bring this code with you to your trial.
If you haven’t registered yet, but believe you are eligible to do so, contact your local council and complete the application process to obtain your 16 digit code
Tax Free Childcare FAQs
How do I add Explore Learning as a Childcare Provider on my Tax Free Childcare account?
You will need your Explore Learning centre’s Ofsted registration code and address. Your centre team can provide these for you.
When should I send payments to Explore Learning?
Please set up a standing order for your membership fee on the 1st of each month. It can take a few days to reach us, so sending the payment on the 1st ensures there are no disruptions to your membership.
What information do I need to provide to Explore Learning once my account has been set up?
You’ll need to let us know your Unique Reference Number. This can be found on your Tax Free Childcare account and is unique for each child. We use this number to find your payment each month.
What happens if I change my membership package?
You will need to make sure you amend your monthly payments to Explore. Your centre team will confirm the new monthly fee when you change your package.
Childcare Vouchers FAQs
I don't receive Childcare Vouchers at the moment, can I set up a new account?
This scheme is now closed to new entrants, so you will not be able to set up an account.
I no longer receive Childcare Vouchers but have a bank of previous vouchers available, can I use these to pay for Explore Learning?
Absolutely! Even if you’re no longer receiving new Childcare Vouchers, you can still use old vouchers for your membership fee.
When should I send payments to Explore Learning?
Please set up a standing order for your membership fee on the 1st of each month. It can take a few days to reach us, so sending the payment on the 1st ensures there are no disruptions to your membership.
What should I use as my payment reference?
To make sure we can find your payment quickly each month, please use your Explore Learning membership number as the payment reference. Your centre team can provide this for you.
What happens if I change my membership package?
You will need to make sure you amend your monthly payments to Explore. Your centre team will confirm the new monthly fee when you change your package.
Childcare Grant FAQs
How do I link my child to the Student Finance Childcare Grant payment service?
You will require a CCG code to link your child to the Payment Service. Your centre team will be able to provide this for you.
When will I receive payment requests from Explore Learning?
We will request payments every Monday, you just need to log in each week and approve them. It’s important to approve the requests regularly, failure to do so may result in you no longer being eligible for the Student Finance membership.
When will my Direct Debit be taken?
We will collect a Direct Debit from you on the 1st of every month.
Can I change my package?
Yes, you can change your package at any time, your centre team can support you with this.
What happens when my course finishes?
Please get in touch with us to let us know when your course is due to finish so we can explain your options going forward.
Why doesn't my Childcare Grant cover the full membership?
The Childcare Grant can cover up to 85% of childcare costs. Explore will collect 15% of your total membership costs via Direct Debit.
