Free Childcare Hours Explained: Eligibility, Types & How to Apply

Introduction to Free Childcare in the UK

• Free childcare hours are part of the UK Government’s commitment to supporting families with the cost of childcare.
  
• This scheme is designed to help working and non-working parents access early education for their children.
  
• It applies to England, with different arrangements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
  
• The funding is available to children aged 2, 3, and 4, depending on eligibility.
  
• These hours can be used in nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups, or with registered childminders.
  

Types of Free Childcare Schemes

1. 15 Hours for All 3 and 4-Year-Olds

• Every child aged 3 and 4 is entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week.
  
• Available for 38 weeks per year (term time), amounting to 570 hours annually.
  
• This is a universal entitlement—no income or employment criteria need to be met.
  

2. 30 Hours for Working Parents

• Available for 3 and 4-year-olds where both parents (or a lone parent) work.
  
• Offers up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks (totaling 1,140 hours per year).
  
• Parents can choose to ‘stretch’ the hours over more weeks by taking fewer hours weekly.
  

3. 15 Hours for Disadvantaged 2-Year-Olds

• Certain 2-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.
  
• Eligibility is based on income, benefits received, or if the child has additional needs.
  
• Also offered if the child is looked after by a local authority or has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
  

Eligibility Criteria

For 15 Hours (3 & 4-Year-Olds – Universal)

• No income or working status checks are required.
  
• All children are automatically eligible from the term after their 3rd birthday.
  

For 30 Hours (3 & 4-Year-Olds – Extended)

• Both parents must be working (or a single working parent).
  
• Earnings must be over £167 per week (for each parent) but under £100,000 annually.
  
• Self-employed and part-time workers are eligible.
  
• Includes those on maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave.
  

For 15 Hours (2-Year-Olds)

• Family receives certain benefits such as:
  
  • Income Support
    
  • Universal Credit (with income thresholds)
    
  • Working Tax Credit
    
• Child receives Disability Living Allowance or has EHCP.
  
• Child is in foster care or has left care under certain orders.
  

When Can You Start Claiming?

• The funding starts from the beginning of the term after the child’s qualifying birthday:
  
  • Born between 1st January – 31st March: starts from Summer Term (April)
    
  • Born between 1st April – 31st August: starts from Autumn Term (September)
    
  • Born between 1st September – 31st December: starts from Spring Term (January)
    

How to Apply for Free Childcare Hours

For 15 Hours (3 & 4-Year-Olds)

• No formal application is needed.
  
• Speak directly to your chosen childcare provider.
  
• They will apply the funding automatically to your account.
  

For 30 Hours

• Apply through the official Government portal: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
  
• You’ll receive a code if eligible, which must be given to your childcare provider.
  
• Applications can be made from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
  
• Codes need to be renewed every 3 months to keep receiving the funding.
  

For 2-Year-Old Funding

• Applications go through your local council’s website.
  
• You may be asked to provide documents relating to benefits or child’s condition.
  
• Once approved, the council will confirm with your chosen provider.
  

Using Your Free Hours Effectively

• Free hours can be used at more than one provider (e.g. nursery and childminder).
  
• Choose between term-time (e.g. 30 hours over 38 weeks) or stretched (e.g. 22 hours over 51 weeks).
  
• Some providers may require parents to pay for:
  
  • Meals
    
  • Nappies or wipes
    
  • Extra activities (e.g. yoga or outings)
    

Choosing a Childcare Provider

• Ensure the provider is registered with Ofsted and eligible to deliver funded hours.
  
• Visit and check the environment, routines, and how they support development.
  
• Ask about:
  
  • Opening hours
    
  • How the hours are scheduled
    
  • Additional fees
    

Pros of Free Childcare Hours

• Reduces childcare costs for families significantly.
  
• Enables parents to return to work or increase working hours.
  
• Offers children early access to learning, socialising, and independence.
  
• Helps close the developmental gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged children.
  
• Allows for flexibility with work-life balance.
  

Cons and Limitations

• Not all providers offer full 30 hours or flexible arrangements.
  
• Some providers charge for extras which can be expensive.
  
• Term-time schedules may not suit working parents who need year-round care.
  
• Parents must remember to renew 30-hour codes regularly.
  
• Waiting lists can be long for popular providers.
  

Impact on Working Parents

• Encourages more parents, especially mothers, to return to employment.
  
• Flexible childcare supports a range of working patterns including shifts.
  
• Offers economic benefit by reducing reliance on benefits or part-time employment.
  
• Promotes financial stability and career development.
  

Benefits for Children

• Access to early learning boosts language and numeracy development.
  
• Helps children adjust to routines and social structures.
  
• Promotes independence, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
  
• Supports school readiness by easing transition into Reception class.
  
• Encourages early discovery and play-based exploration.
  

Common Myths Around Free Childcare

• “It’s free, so there are no other costs.”
  Not true. Some providers charge for meals or extras.
  
• “I can use it with any provider.”
  Only Ofsted-registered and participating providers offer funded hours.
  
• “All children get 30 hours.”
  Only eligible working parents can claim 30 hours. All children get 15 hours.
  
• “I only work part-time, so I’m not eligible.”
  You may still be eligible if you earn the minimum income threshold.
  

Tips for Parents

• Apply for codes at least a month before the term starts.
  
• Check with your provider about the availability of places.
  
• Understand the contract—some may require deposits or minimum sessions.
  
• Keep a record of your application and code expiry dates.
  
• Consider combining free hours with paid hours for full-day care.
  

Local Authority Support

• Local councils can help you find eligible providers.
  
• They often offer advice lines and websites with detailed guidance.
  
• If you’re not eligible, you may still find local schemes or grants.
  

What If You Miss the Deadline?

• If you miss the deadline for applying or renewing your 30-hour code:
  
  • You will need to wait until the next term to claim it.
    
  • The universal 15 hours will still be available.
    

• Deadlines for each term are typically:
  
  • 31st August for Autumn
    
  • 31st December for Spring
    
  • 31st March for Summer
    

New Changes and Updates

• As of April 2024, the Government announced phased extensions to free hours:
  
  • April 2024: 15 hours for eligible 2-year-olds in working families.
    
  • September 2024: 15 hours for children aged 9 months to 2 years.
    
  • September 2025: Full 30 hours for all eligible children from 9 months old.
    

• These changes aim to support working families from a much earlier stage.
  

Stretching Free Hours Over the Year

• Instead of taking 30 hours for 38 weeks, you can choose to take fewer hours weekly over 48–52 weeks.
  
• Common stretching examples:
  
  • 22 hours/week for 52 weeks
    
  • 24 hours/week for 48 weeks
    
• This is useful for working parents who need childcare during school holidays.
  

Free Hours and Tax-Free Childcare

• You can use both schemes together.
  
• Tax-Free Childcare gives you 20% back on additional childcare costs.
  
• You must apply separately through the Childcare Choices website.
  

Keeping Track of Changes

• Sign up to updates from HMRC or your local council.
  
• Regularly check your eligibility, especially if your job or income changes.
  
• Always renew your code on time to prevent gaps in funding.
  

Conclusion: A Vital Scheme for Modern Families

• The free childcare hours scheme offers substantial support to UK families.
  
• It allows parents to work, study or care for other children while knowing their child is in a safe and stimulating environment.
  
• Despite some logistical and financial considerations, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
  
• More children are gaining early access to learning opportunities, preparing them well for school and life ahead.
  
• Parents are also empowered to pursue career goals without the barrier of unaffordable childcare.

Also Read: - How to apply for 30 hours free childcare

Little Mowgli Nursery, Leyland: A Place Where Free Hours Come Alive

At Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland, we embrace the free childcare hours scheme to give every child the opportunity to flourish. We work closely with families to ensure eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds benefit from their entitled hours in a caring and inspiring environment. Our Tigers and Giraffes rooms, paired with our outdoor learning space, offer the perfect setting for children to learn through play, build confidence, and connect with nature. We believe in nurturing each child’s individuality through curiosity-driven learning, and our warm, community-focused approach ensures every child feels right at home. With Little Mowgli, free childcare isn’t just a policy—it’s a pathway to discovery.