Government Funded Childcare: What Parents Need to Know

At our nursery, we know how important high-quality childcare is for both your child’s development and your family’s finances. With the government’s latest changes to funded childcare in England, many families can now access more support than ever before. Below, we’ve put together a clear and friendly guide to help you understand what you may be entitled to and how it works.

30 Hours Funded Childcare for Working Parents

From 1 September 2025, the government doubled the amount of funded childcare for eligible working parents of children under 2’s from 15 hours to 30 hours a week.

This means that once your baby reaches 9 months old, your family may be able to receive 30 hours of funded childcare each week until they start school. For many parents, this can offer savings of up to £7,500 per year.

These changes are already helping families across the country increase their working hours, reduce childcare costs, and feel more supported through the early years.

Why Funded Childcare Matters

The benefits go far beyond financial support. High quality early education helps children:

• Build confidence
• Develop social skills
• Prepare emotionally and academically for school

We are proud to play a part in giving your child the very best start.

New Online “Best Start in Life” Parent Hub

Also launching on 1 September 2025, the government’s new online hub brings together trusted information for parents from pregnancy through early childhood. It includes an updated eligibility checker for childcare support, making it easier for you to find out what funding your family can receive.

Understanding the 15 and 30 Hours

30 Hours for Working Parents

You may be eligible if:

• Parents working between the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage(£195 per week or £10,158 per year from April 2025), and
• You earn less than £100,000 adjusted net income, and
• Your child is at least 9 months old

Funding begins from the term after your child turns 9 months.

Universal 15 Hours for All 3 and 4 Year Olds

Every child aged 3 to 4 in England is entitled to 15 hours of funded early education, regardless of parental income or employment. Funding begins the term after your child turns 3.

15 Hours for Eligible 2 Year Olds

Some 2 year olds can receive 15 funded hours if families receive certain additional support, such as Universal Credit (earning under £15,400 a year), an Education, Health & Care Plan, or if the child has been looked after by the local authority.

Funding begins from the term after your child turns 2.

Important Notes

• Funded hours must be used with an approved childcare provider.
• Funding covers 38 weeks a year, however we stretch the funding out to cover 52 weeks a year.
• Providers are able to charge for extras, such as meals, snack, nappies, or outings. (Although providers are allowed to charge for extras such as meals, snacks, nappies, or outings, we choose not to add any additional charges for meals and snacks. We believe in keeping every child fully included, and we are committed to ensuring that all children have access to healthy meals and snacks without extra cost to families).

How to Apply for 30 Hours

To apply, you’ll need to log in through your Government Gateway childcare account. It helps to have your National Insurance number and your child’s birth certificate to hand.

• You can apply once your child is 23 weeks old.
• Your funded hours begin the term after your child turns 9 months.
• To start funding in January 2026, you must apply by 31 December 2025.

Once you have your eligibility code, please share it with us so that we are able to do the checks on our side.

Already Receiving 15 Hours as a Working Parent?

If you previously claimed 15 hours and still meet the eligibility criteria, you can continue to reconfirm every 3 months. Your existing code can then be used for the 30 hours.

Claiming the Universal 15 Hours for 3 and 4 Year Olds

You don’t need to apply online for the universal offer. We handle this process for you.
You’ll simply need to:

• Provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate
• Sign our funding declaration form

Claiming 15 Hours for Eligible 2 Year Olds

If you qualify for the 2 year old scheme, you will need to apply through your local council. Once your eligibility is confirmed, we can arrange your child’s funded place with us.

If you have any questions about funded childcare or would like help checking your eligibility, please contact us we’re always happy to support our families.