Funded childcare in England: what you can get, and when to apply

Up to 30 hours a week from 9 months old for working parents, plus help with the rest of the bill. A plain-English guide to the childcare support in England, and the deadlines that catch people out.

What's on offer

Working parents: up to 30 hours a week from 9 months. Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months until they start school can get up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, usually for 38 weeks of the year. Some providers let you stretch the hours across more weeks, with fewer hours each week.

All 3 and 4 year olds: 15 hours. Every 3 and 4 year old in England can get 15 hours a week, whatever your income or work situation, from the term after their third birthday.

Some 2 year olds: 15 hours. Families on certain benefits, or whose child has additional needs, may get 15 hours for their 2 year old.

Tax-Free Childcare. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for a disabled child). You can use it alongside your funded hours, for things like extra hours or holiday clubs.

Who qualifies for the working parent hours

you (and your partner, if you have one) are working, or about to start a job
you each expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage
neither of you has an adjusted net income of over £100,000 a year
you live in England, and your child is between 9 months and school age

There are exceptions, for example if you're on parental leave, sick leave or a carer, so check with the government's childcare checker if you're not sure.

The funding follows the term dates, not your return-to-work date. Apply early.

When to apply

You can apply from when your baby is 23 weeks old. That sounds early, but there's a reason: you need your code before the term starts, and funding usually starts the term after your child becomes eligible.

Get your code, then give it to your nursery. If you're approved, you'll get an 11-digit code to give to your childcare provider. It has to be a registered provider, like a nursery, pre-school or registered childminder.

Reconfirm every 3 months. You must sign in and confirm your details every 3 months, or you can lose your place in the scheme. Set a phone reminder.

What "funded" doesn't always cover

Funded hours cover the childcare itself, but some nurseries charge for extras like meals, nappies or activities. Ask for a clear breakdown of what you'll pay before you sign up, and compare a few providers if you can.

Making it work for your family

Start looking early. Popular nurseries and childminders can have waiting lists, especially for baby rooms.
Visit more than once. Go at a busy time of day and see how staff talk to the children.
Ask about settling-in. Most settings offer a few short sessions before your child starts properly.
Plan your return to work around it. Our guide to going back to work after maternity leave covers the practical and emotional side.

When does 30 hours free childcare start?

Eligible working parents in England can get up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week from when their child is 9 months old until they start school.

When should I apply for funded childcare?

You can apply from when your baby is 23 weeks old. Apply well before the term you need it, as funding usually starts the term after your child becomes eligible.

How much does Tax-Free Childcare give you?

The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in, up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for a disabled child.

Is funded childcare completely free?

The funded hours themselves are free, but some providers charge for extras like meals, nappies or activities.

Keep reading

This guide is general information for families in England, correct as of October 2026. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different schemes. Check your eligibility with the government's free childcare if you're working page and the Childcare Checker.

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