Childcare funding information
Funding for childcare for your child starts the term after their birthday
These are the general term dates of when your child will be eligible for their 2 or 3 / 4 year funding.
| A child born between: | If eligible can access funding from: |
|---|---|
| 1 April and 31 August | 1 September |
| 1 September and 31 December | 1 January |
| 1 January and 31 March | 1 April |
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ your funding over the whole year by reducing your weekly hours. You can use this funding with one or more registered settings.
Additional Charges
The funding the government pays for your child is to cover the cost of childcare. It is not to cover the costs of meals, consumables or additional hours. Here is an example of what settings can charge for:
| What Can They Charge For? | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Refundable Deposit | A provider may not charge parents a deposit or registration fee to secure a funded place |
| Meals and Snacks | Settings will have their own policies, which may include, parent’s being able to provide a packed lunch or have other arrangements in place |
| Nappies and Wet Wipes | Settings will have their own policies, which may include parents being able to bring their own |
| Sun cream | Parents are able to provide their own |
| Outings and Trips (forest school, zoo trips etc) | Parents can decide whether to send their child |
| Pick up and Drop offs | Parents to arrange if needed |
| On Call (whilst child is in another setting) | Parents to arrange if needed |
| Additional Hours | Parents can purchase additional hours at the settings set price |
All parents should have the same rights to access a funded childcare place, regardless of if they chose to pay additional charges. There should be no restriction on the child accessing a funded place.
From September 2025
30 Hours for eligible working families with a child from 9 months.
When will my child be eligible?
|
A child born in: |
If eligible, can access funding from: |
|
December, January, February or March |
1 January |
|
April, May, June |
1 April |
|
July, August, September, October or November |
1 September |
Most working parents with a child 9 months and over, will be eligible for 30 hours funded childcare.
The extended hours start the term after the child turns 9 months.
Working families will receive 30 hours funding a week.
You and your partner must each expect to earn (on average) at least £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the national minimum wage), up to £100,000 each.
You will need to apply for this funding. You will be issued a code to share with your childcare provider.