Childcare support is expanding. For more information visit the Childcare Choices website
Overview
From September 2025, 15 hours for eligible working families will expand to 30 hours, meaning eligible working parents can now apply for 30 hours of childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months, until they start school.
If you currently receive 15 hours for working families, just reconfirm as usual and the code will work for the 30 hours offer in September, providing you remain eligible and your provider has confirmed your new attendance pattern for your increased hours.
Please note: reception school place admissions are totally separate from funded childcare. Where your child attends does not impact their school allocation and as such should not influence the childcare provider/type you choose for your child.
If your child has emerging or identified Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and you would like support in accessing a childcare place, please contact the Early Support Team.
Eligibility
If you live and work in England you may be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare support from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they start school.
You can usually get funded childcare for working parents if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
- in work or starting a new job
- on sick leave or annual leave
- on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
Over the next 3 months you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn at least:
- £2,539 before tax if you’re aged 21 or over (equivalent to £195 per week)
- £2,080 before tax if you’re aged 18 to 20 (equivalent to £160 per week)
- £1,570 before tax if you’re under 18 or an apprentice (equivalent to £120 per week)
This is equivalent to the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average.
Further details are available on the Childcare Choices eligibility webpage.
When to apply
You need to apply online before the deadline to receive a code to give to your childcare provider.
The deadline is the day before the new term begins, but we encourage you to apply earlier, and recommend applying at least 6 weeks before the deadline.
Some providers may ask for codes before the deadline, so we recommend you speak to your provider to find out if this is the case.
When can my child start?
| If my child turns 9 months old between | I can access 30 funded hours from | I need to apply by |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 31 March |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 31 August |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 31 December |
Before you apply
Before you apply, you’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand:
- 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.
How to apply
New applications can now be made using a government Gateway Account. To start the process, apply for the 30 hours free childcare or visit the Childcare Choices website for a range of government childcare offers, including 30 hours free childcare.
If you disagree with your eligibility results or have any technical issues when applying for the 30 hours code, please call the Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097.
If you are eligible, you will receive an 11 digit code to give to your participating childcare provider. Your childcare provider will check the code and confirm your eligibility.
Your childcare provider will notify you of any extra charges. This is because the Government funding does not cover:
- meals
- nappies
- additional hours
- additional activities, such as trips
You might be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.
You must reconfirm your eligibility every three months after applying. HMRC should email you four weeks before the deadline to log on to your childcare service account to do this.
If your circumstances change and you fall out of eligibility you will no longer be eligible to claim the funding. There will be a grace period until the start of the next term giving you the opportunity to start work again. If your circumstances change during the grace period you can reapply and continue to receive the extra funded hours.
Benefits of childcare
Watch this video to hear how parents and carers feel that childcare has helped them and their child.
Early childhood education is an excellent way to shape a child’s confidence and curiosity before attending school. It provides an opportunity to learn, play and make new friends.