What is it?

30 hours funded childcare for 3-and 4-year-olds for working families.

Working families may be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded early learning and childcare for 38 weeks of the year.

This works out at up to 1140 hours of funded early learning and  childcare per year, usually taken as 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.

You can use fewer hours per week over more weeks for example to cover school holidays.  You can use the funding at up to two providers

Is it for me?

You, and any partner, must both be working and each expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and each earn less than £100,000 a year.

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible. 

How do I find out more information?

Find out more and apply online on the Childcare Choices website or go straight to apply now.

When can I apply and when will the funding start?

You can apply up to 16 weeks before your child turns 3 i.e. when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old. 

You should apply during the term that your child turns 3 for funding to begin at the start of the following term.

Your child reaches eligible age:

• 1 September - 31 December, the funding can begin on the term starting on or after 1 January (Spring). The recommended time to apply is between 15 October and 30 November. The final deadline to apply is 31November 

• 1 January - 31 March, the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 April (Summer). The recommended time to apply is between 15 January and 28 January  The final deadline to apply is 31 March.                       

• 1 April - 31 August the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 September (Autumn). The recommended time to apply is between 15 June and 31June. The final deadline to apply is 31 August.

How do I apply?

Applications can be made at www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare

What happens once you have applied?

If your application is successful you will be sent a code which you take to your chosen childcare provider(s) along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth. 

They will check the code is valid. 

You may receive the eligibility code before your child turns 3 but you can only start using their 30 hours place the term following their 3rd birthday, or the term after the date the eligibility code was issued (whichever is the later).

e.g. If your child's 3rd birthday is 17 July and you receive the code on 1 August you can start using the 30 hours from 1 September, but if you don't receive the code until 12 September you will have to wait until 1 January to start using the 30 hours funding.

You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months or your code will expire. 

Where can I use the funding?

Funded places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders.

You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory

Do I have to pay anything?

The funding does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions.

What if I'm not eligible for 30 hours?

If you're not eligible for 30 hours funding you are still able to use the 15 hours funded childcare entitlement for 3-and-4-year-olds.