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 two or three / four year funding.
Working Parent Funding
The 30 hours funding offer starts the term after your child turns nine months old and will continue, as long as you remain eligible, until they start school.
Two Year old Funding
The 15 hours funding starts the term after your child turns two years old.
Three / Four Year old Funding
The 15 hours funding starts the term after your child turns three years old.
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
Government funding is intended to deliver 15 or 20 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, other consumables, additional hours or optional activities.
Childcare providers should be able to tell you what any additional charges are for and offer an alternative if you do not wish to use their service. For example, bringing a packed lunch instead of having a cooked meal.
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 | Childcare settings may offer a chargeable food option but must allow parents the option to bring their own food as an alternative. |
| Nappies and Wet Wipes | Settings may offer a chargeable option of providing these items for parents bust must allow parents the option to bring their own alternative. |
| Sun cream | Settings may offer a chargeable option of providing these items for parents but must allow parents the option to bring their own alternative. |
| Outings and Trips (forest school, zoo trips etc) | Settings should be clear as to what is included with the funding and be clear of any additional extras such as trips. |
| Pick up and Drop offs | Parents can purchase additional hours at the settings set price and must follow the settings policy in relation to these hours. |
All parents have the same rights to access a funded childcare place, regardless of whether they choose 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 nine 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 nine months and over, will be eligible for 30 hours funded childcare.
The extended hours start the term after the child turns nine 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.