Charlton Heights Celebrates Community Spirit and National Recognition

It’s been a week of celebration for Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School, Charlton Heights, as the team proudly shared in the success of their neighbours, Allegra Care, while also being shortlisted for a prestigious national award. 🌟

The children from Happy Days Charlton Heights recently joined residents and staff from Olive Tree House and Rose Garden care homes for an incredible Upcycled Fashion Show, organised as part of The Carer’s national Coffee Morning Competition in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event, which took two months of preparation, celebrated creativity, sustainability, and community connection, values that are at the heart of everything Happy Days stands for.

Our children designed and decorated their own t-shirts before proudly walking the catwalk alongside Home Manager Vlad, who dressed as a cardboard box to match their chosen song, “Big Fish, Little Fish.” Together, the event raised over £150 for Macmillan Cancer Support, showing how powerful community collaboration can be.

Manager Steph said: “Our children absolutely loved taking part in the fashion show. It was a brilliant opportunity to bring generations together, share creativity, and support such a meaningful cause.”

The Charlton Heights team is also celebrating being shortlisted as a finalist for Community Nursery of the Year at the 2025 Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards — a reflection of the nursery’s deep commitment to supporting local families and building strong community connections.

Since opening in 2023, Charlton Heights has become a true hub for families, offering free weekly Stay & Play sessions, tailored parent support on everything from toilet training to school readiness, and assistance with EHCPs and SEN funding. The team regularly attends and hosts community events, supports local charities like St Peter’s Hospice, and leads environmental initiatives such as litter picking, planting for pollinators, and achieving the Eco Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction in 2025.

Manager Steph added: “We want Charlton Heights to be more than just a nursery, a place where families, schools, businesses, and charities come together to support children and each other. This nomination is a celebration of our entire community.”

From creative catwalks to national awards, it’s clear that community truly shines at Happy Days Charlton Heights.

To wrap up our childcare funding series, Alice and Karen answer your most frequently asked questions, from splitting hours between providers to self-employed eligibility and support for families on Universal Credit.

They also cover extra help like Tax-Free Childcare, Disability Access Funding, and Early Years Pupil Premium, because there’s often more support available than you might realise.

Ever wondered what your childcare funding actually covers and what it doesn’t? Alice and Karen unpack the details of how funding works in nurseries, including what’s included in your 15 or 30 free hours, and what parents may still pay for (like meals, nappies, or enrichment activities).

They also explain how the SHINE package at Happy Days makes things simpler for families, and how you can combine Tax-Free Childcare with funded hours.

Ready to apply for your childcare funding? In this step-by-step guide, Alice and Karen explain exactly how to apply for your funded childcare hours, where to go, and what deadlines you need to know. Find out how to get your 30 hours code, when to apply, and why reconfirming your details matters.

They also share tips on what to do if your circumstances change, plus key advice on grace periods and additional support.

Confused about who qualifies for childcare funding? You’re not alone! In this episode, Alice and Karen break down everything parents in England need to know about free childcare hours, from 9 months to school age. Learn the differences between 15 hours and 30 hours funding, what “working parent” eligibility means, and how nurseries can “stretch” your hours across the year.

Perfect for parents exploring early years education funding for the first time.