Working parents
You may get up to 30 hours of funded childcare (term‑time only) if you work. Funding starts from the term after your child turns 9 months. To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Best Start in Life Parent Hub.
Childcare for children aged nine months to four years old
If you’re a parent or carer of a child aged 9 months to 4 years, you may be able to get help with the cost of childcare. Use this page to check what you can get, when to apply, and how to use your funded hours.
Before you start
Your funded childcare does not cover everything your childcare provider may offer. Meals, snacks, nappies, extra activities, and additional hours are not included. Your provider must tell you what they charge for and offer alternatives where possible.
There are two types of funding for 2‑year‑olds:
- Funding for working parents
- Funding for families getting certain benefits (Early Learning for 2‑year‑olds)
Working parents
If you work, you may get up to 30 hours of funded childcare (term‑time only). Funding starts from the term after your child turns 2.
Early Learning for 2‑year‑olds (if you get certain benefits)
You may get 15 hours a week for 38 weeks if you live in England and get one of the following:
- Universal Credit with yearly household income £15,400 or less (after tax)
- Income Support, income‑based JSA or income‑related ESA
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Your child has an EHCP
- Your child gets Disability Living Allowance
- Your child has left care under an adoption order or similar
- Your child is in care
You can sometimes stretch the 15 hours over more than 38 weeks. You can apply close to your child’s second birthday.
To find out about and apply for funded childcare for 2-year olds use the button below.
Find out about funded childcare for 2-year-olds
When funding starts
| When your child turns 2 | When you can apply | When funding starts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sept – 31 Dec | 1 September | 1 January |
| 1 Jan – 31 March | 1 January | 1 April |
| 1 April – 31 August | 1 April | 1 September |
If your child is confirmed as eligible part‑way through a term, funding can start immediately unless fewer than 4 weeks remain. If so, it starts the next term.
Things you may have to pay for
- Food
- Nappies
- Extra hours
- Activities or trips
These must be optional. You can still take up your funded hours without paying for extras.
Universal entitlement
All 3 and 4‑year‑olds get 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. You can claim from the term after your child turns 3. This stops when they start reception.
To use your hours:
- Find an approved childcare provider who has availability
- Ask them for a Parental Declaration Form
- Give them the completed form and your child’s birth certificate
- Sign a form each term to confirm hours attended
Working parents (30 hours)
If you work, you may get up to 30 hours of funded childcare (term‑time only). Funding starts the term after your child turns 3.
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
Your childcare provider may get extra funding to support your child’s learning if you get certain benefits or if your child was previously in care.
EYPP is paid:
- For 9‑month to 2‑year‑olds: on the working parent entitlement
- For 2‑year‑olds: on either entitlement (benefits‑based or working parent)
- For 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds: on the universal 15 hours
You can check your eligibility when completing your new starter forms. If applying under non‑income criteria, call 01225 395505. You’ll need your National Insurance Number or National Asylum Seeker Support Number.
Best Start in Life
You may be entitled to other childcare support. Visit the Best Start in Life Parent Hub to check.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Government‑funded early education is not classed as a public fund. All children can access:
- 15 hours for disadvantaged 2‑year‑olds
- 15 hours for all 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds
Working‑parent schemes (30 hours and Tax‑Free Childcare) have residence requirements and are usually not available to families with NRPF. Meals and snacks are not included in funded hours.
For how to apply, visit the NRPF Network website.