Funding and Government schemes
15 Hours Funding from 9months old
From September 2024, eligible working parents will be able to access 15 hours childcare support for 38 weeks of the year. Eligible families will receive this the term after the child turns 9 months old. Eligible parents can apply from May 2024.
This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year
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.
2 Year Old Funding for Families Receiving Some Additional Forms of Government Support
At 2 years old eligible children can get 15 hours per week of funded early learning and childcare for 38 weeks of the year
This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours sper week over more weeks of the year
Is it for me?
The funding is available to:
Families receiving certain benefits,
OR
If the child is classed as "looked after"
OR
If the child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
2 Year Old Funding for Working Families
From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support for 38 weeks of the year. Eligible parents can apply from 2 January 2024.
This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year
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.
15 Hours Funding from 3 Years Old
15 hours of funded early learning and childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year
This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
Some providers allow you to use fewer hours per week over more weeks, and you can use the funding at up to two providers
Is it for me?
All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to the funding and your child can start from the term after their 3rd birthday
This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday)
This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year
30 Hours Funding from 3 Years Old
30 hours funded childcare for 3&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.
Tax Free Chilcare
Up to £2,000 per year towards childcare costs 0-11 year olds with a tax-free childcare account
A Government top-up scheme for working families.
For every £8 you pay in the government will add in an extra £2. Up to £2,000 per child per year. Or for children aged 0-16 with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND) you can receive up to £4,000 per year.
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.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as:
- 15 hours free childcare
- 30 hours free childcare
You can't use it with:
- Universal Credit
- Tax Credits
- Childcare Vouchers (closed to new entrants)