Funding Information

Government help with childcare costs for parents

Tax Free Childcare

For working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
Earning under £100k and at least £139 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each
Who aren't receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
With children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled)
For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year

Funding for babies from 9 months

From September 2024, from the term after babies turn 9 months old they may be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare term time only (over 38 weeks of the year) or 12 hours of funded childcare (over 47.5 weeks of the year). This will be for working parents who meet the eligibility criteria.

Two year old funding

From the term after your child turns 2, you could be entitled to 15 hours of free childcare term time only (over 38 weeks of the year) or 12 hours of free childcare stretched (over 47.5 weeks of the year)
To be able to take up this funding, you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria.

Three and four year old funding

From the term after your child turns 3, all families in England are entitled to received 15 hours free childcare term time only (over 38 weeks of the year) or 12 hours of free childcare stretched (over 47.5 weeks of the year)
Funding can be used between the hours of 9am and 4pm (up to a maximum of 7 hours per day)

Three and four year old additional funding - 30 hours free childcare

For working families in England. To be able to take up this funding, you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria.
You may be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare term time only (over 38 weeks of the year) or 24 hours of free childcare stretched (over 47.5 weeks of the year)
Funding can be used between the hours of 9am and 4pm (up to a maximum of 7 hours per day)

If you have any problems applying for funding, please call the Childcare Helpline on 0300 1234097