ChildCare Funders Resource
Ministry of Education Bulk Funding for ECE Centres
Ministry of Education bulk funding is the largest single revenue source for almost every licensed Early Childhood Education (ECE) service in New Zealand. Understanding how the payments are calculated, when they arrive, and how to bridge the cash-flow gaps between them is one of the most useful financial skills a centre owner or manager can develop.
This guide explains MOE bulk funding in plain language for childcare operators, and shows how a specialist advance from ChildCare Funders can put up to 60% of your next bulk funding payment in your account today.
What is MOE bulk funding?
Bulk funding is the per-child subsidy the Ministry of Education pays to licensed ECE services so that early learning is affordable for New Zealand families. It includes the standard ECE funding rate, 20 Hours ECE for 3–5 year olds, and equity funding for centres serving lower-decile communities.
Funding is paid in arrears — the Ministry pays you for hours of attendance you have already delivered, after you submit and reconcile your roll through RS7 returns.
When does MOE bulk funding get paid?
ECE bulk funding runs on three four-monthly periods each year: March–June, July–October, and November–February. After each period closes you submit an RS7 return; the Ministry then calculates and pays the bulk funding for that period.
On top of the period payment, services receive monthly progress payments that estimate forward income. The reconciliation each period either tops up or claws back, depending on attendance.
- March – June funding period
- July – October funding period
- November – February funding period
- Monthly progress payments in between
Why bulk funding creates cash-flow gaps
Wages, rent, food, insurance and compliance costs don't follow the Ministry's calendar. A centre that grows enrolments quickly, opens a new room, hires extra staff, or simply hits a quiet patch in attendance can find itself short of cash weeks before the next bulk funding payment lands.
Traditional bank overdrafts often aren't sized for childcare and rarely arrive in time. That's the gap ChildCare Funders was built to fill.
Bridging the gap with an MOE advance
An MOE advance from ChildCare Funders is a short-term cash advance secured against your next scheduled bulk funding payment. We advance up to 60% of your expected MOE payment, based on the average of your last three funding periods.
There's no property security required, no long-term contract, and the advance is repaid automatically when the Ministry pays you. You only use us when you need to, and only pay for what you take.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my MOE bulk funding can I borrow against?
Up to 60% of your expected next Ministry of Education bulk funding payment, calculated from the average of your last three funding periods.
Do I need to be a specific type of centre?
You need to be a licensed ECE service in New Zealand receiving MOE bulk funding. That includes education and care centres, kindergartens, and licensed home-based providers.
When is my advance repaid?
The advance is repaid automatically out of your next scheduled MOE bulk funding payment — no separate payment for you to remember.
Need cash against your next MOE payment?
Most childcare centres are approved within 24 hours.
Apply now
