Childcare Funding

15 & 30 Hours Childcare for Eligible Working Families in England

Working parents in England may be entitled to government-funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years. This support is designed to assist families in balancing work and childcare responsibilities.

• For Children Aged 9 Months to 2 Years: Eligible working families can access up to 15 hours of free early education per week over 38 weeks of the year. Starting from September 2025, this entitlement will increase to 30 hours per week. These hours can often be ‘stretched’ over 52 weeks, allowing for fewer hours per week throughout the year.

• 15 Hours Free Childcare for All 3 and 4-Year-Olds

  All families in England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks a year (totalling 570 hours annually) for children aged 3 and 4. This can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers and, in some cases, can be ‘stretched’ over up to 52 weeks by using fewer hours per week.

• 30 Hours Free Childcare for Eligible Working Families

  Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds may be eligible for an additional 15 hours of free childcare per week, bringing the total to 30 hours. To qualify, each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must:

  • Be in paid work (including self-employment)
  • Earn at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for an average of 16 hours a week
  • Have an annual income of less than £100,000 per parent

  This entitlement can be used during term time or stretched over the year to suit your needs.

• 15 Hours Free Early Learning for Eligible 2-Year-Olds

  Some 2-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of free early education per week if their families meet certain criteria, such as receiving specific benefits or the child having special educational needs. Eligibility includes families receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Universal Credit with a household income of £15,400 a year or less after tax.

• Tax-Free Childcare

  This scheme provides a 20% government top-up on money deposited into a dedicated childcare account, up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children). To be eligible, parents must:

  • Be in paid work
  • Earn at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for an average of 16 hours a week
  • Have an annual income of less than £100,000 per parent

  This funding can be used for various childcare services, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs.

• Universal Credit Childcare Costs

  Working parents eligible for Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs, up to a maximum of £1,015 per month for one child or £1,739 per month for two or more children. This support is available for children under 17.