30 hours childcare funding for working families from 9 months to 4 years

Find information about the 30 hours childcare funding support available for working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years old and how to apply.

On this page

• What is available?
• Is it for me?
• When can I apply and when will the funding start?
• How do I apply?
• What happens next?
• Where can I use the funding?
• What if I'm not eligible for 30 hours?
• Further information

What is available?

Working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years old, are able to access 30 hours childcare funding 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 though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year.

You may be able to use fewer hours per week over more weeks 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.

How do I find out more information?

Find out more on the Government's Best Start in Life parent hub (opens in new tab)

When can I apply and when will the funding start?

You can apply from the term your child turns 9 months for funding to begin at the start of the following term. If you child is older than 9 months you should apply the term before you want your child to start.

How do I apply?

You need to meet the eligibility criteria before you can claim funded childcare. To find out if you are eligible, go to the Childcare support checker (Best Start in Life).

You can also check the eligibility critera at Free Childcare for Working Parents: Check if you're eligible (GOV.UK)

Before starting the application, you will need to make sure you have the following information:

• your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
• the date you started or are due to start work
• details of any government support or benefits you receive
• the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child.

You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

Applications can be made at Free childcare for working parents: Apply for free childcare (GOV.UK) (opens in new tab)

What happens next?

If your application is successful, you will be sent a code which you take to your chosen provider(s) along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth.

They will check the code is valid.

You may receive the eligibility code before your child turns 9 months, but you can only start using their 30 hours place the term following when they turn 9 months, or the term after the date the eligibility code was issued (whichever is the later).

You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months or your code will expire. You will be contacted by HMRC when it is time to reconfirm.

Where can I use the funding?

Places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders.

You can find a provider near you on our Find Childcare page

Do I have to pay anything?

The Government funding is intended to pay for 30hours a week of high quality, flexible childcare. The 30 hours must be able available free of charge to parents.

The funding does not cover the costs of

• meals
• consumables, such as nappies or sun-cream
• additional hours
• additional activities, such as trips

You may be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.

What if I'm not eligible for 30 hours?

If you're not eligible for 30 hours funding, then you are still able to use the 15 hours funded childcare entitlement when your child is aged 3 and 4. You can also open a tax-free childcare account to help with your childcare costs.

Find out more at:

• 15 hours childcare funding, for all 3- and 4-year-olds
• Tax-Free childcare

Further information

Best Start in Life parent hub

Find out if you are eligible for Government help with childcare costs whether you have toddlers or teens, and apply online on the Government's Best Start in Life parent hub (opens in new tab)

Childcare and benefits calculators

Check what Government help you could get with childcare costs with the Childcare Calculator (GOV.UK) (opens in new tab)

Find out what other financial support you may be entitled to at Check benefits and financial support you can get (GOV.UK) (opens in new tab)

Turn 2 Us charity

Turn 2 Us is a national charity which offers bespoke information dependent upon your circumstances.

Go to the Turn 2 Us Benefits Calculator (opens in new tab)

HMRC Childcare

If you have any problems with application process, accessing your childcare account or need to apply over the phone, please contact the HMRC Childcare Service helpline: 0300 123 4097

County residents

If you are a County resident and need help with finding childcare in Nottinghamshire, please contact the Customer Service Centre Nottinghamshire County Council, Contact us

City residents

If you are a City resident and need help with finding Childcare in Nottingham City, please contact the Families Information Service on telephone: 0115 8765910 or use this form to contact the Nottingham City Council Families Information Service team (opens in new tab)