Who’s eligible for the funding?

It’s designed for working families with 3 or 4 year olds, where both parents live and work in the UK. So, you and your partner will both need to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage or living wage and no more than £100,000 a year each.

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What funding will I actually get?

You’ll be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week (1,140 hours per year). 

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When can my funding start?

You can claim up to 30 hours of free childcare from the start of the term after your child turns 3.

Terms follow the school year. For example, if your child’s birthday is in July, provided you are eligible for 30 hours you’ll get the funding from September.

To get started, you’ll need to apply through the Childcare Choices website and get an eligibility code.

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What’s the difference between the existing 15 hour scheme and this one?

Families with 3 and 4 year olds already get 15 hours of funded childcare per week in term time. That’s a universal scheme, so everyone can benefit, whether they’re working or not. The new scheme is just for working families, and it increases funding from 15, to 30 hours.

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When should I apply?

You’ll be eligible for funding from the start of the first term after your child’s 3rd birthday.

To make sure you get your code as soon as possible, you’ll need to apply before the end of the previous term. You don’t have to wait until then though. You can apply for your code up to 16 weeks before their third birthday, and it’s a good idea to do it early, just in case you need any help. If you do, just ask us.

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Do I need to apply again for the next term?

Yes. The way the scheme’s set up, you’ll be asked to confirm you’re still eligible every three months. It only takes a minute or two to do, and you’ll be sent a reminder when it’s time.

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