How Does the 30 Hours Free Childcare Work?

Introduction to the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme

• The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a UK government initiative.
  
• It aims to support working parents by offering additional funded childcare hours.
  
• Introduced in September 2017, this scheme builds on the existing 15 hours entitlement.
  
• Designed to help parents manage childcare costs and return to work or extend their working hours.
  

Who is Eligible for 30 Hours Free Childcare?

To qualify for 30 hours free childcare, both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must meet the following:

• Each must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage per week.
  
• This is approximately £167 per week for those over 23 years old (as of 2025).
  
• Neither parent should earn more than £100,000 annually.
  
• You must live in England and have a child aged 3 or 4 years old.
  

Eligibility Criteria in Detail

• You can be employed, self-employed, or on zero-hour contracts.
  
• You may still qualify if you're on maternity/paternity leave or on sick/annual leave.
  
• Foster carers can only claim if it’s for their own children and they meet other criteria.
  
• If you're a newly self-employed parent, there may be flexibility within the first 12 months.
  

When Can My Child Start Receiving the 30 Hours?

• Your child becomes eligible the term after their third birthday.
  
• The start dates are:
  
  • 1st January – eligible from the Spring Term (January)
    
  • 1st April – eligible from the Summer Term (April)
    
  • 1st September – eligible from the Autumn Term (September)
    

How Do I Apply for the 30 Hours Free Childcare?

• Applications are managed through the HMRC Childcare Service portal.
  
• Visit www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare.
  
• You’ll need:
  
  • Your National Insurance Number
    
  • Details of your employment/self-employment
    
  • Partner’s details (if applicable)
    
• Once approved, you’ll receive an 11-digit code to give to your childcare provider.
  

What Happens After You Apply?

• You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months.
  
• HMRC will send reminders via text or email.
  
• If you don’t reconfirm, you may lose your funded hours.
  
• Even if your circumstances change, you may be given a grace period to continue using the hours temporarily.
  

How Many Hours Will I Actually Get Per Week?

• The scheme offers 30 hours per week of free childcare.
  
• This is for 38 weeks per year (term-time).
  
• This adds up to 1,140 hours per year.
  
• Some providers stretch the hours over 52 weeks, offering around 22 hours per week instead.
  

What Costs Are Covered by the 30 Free Hours?

• The 30 hours cover education and care during funded time.
  
• However, they may not cover:
  
  • Meals and snacks
    
  • Nappies and wipes
    
  • Trips, special activities, or classes
    
• Always confirm what’s included with your childcare provider.
  

Where Can I Use the 30 Hours?

• The hours can be used at:
  
  • Nurseries
    
  • Pre-schools
    
  • Playgroups
    
  • Some registered childminders
    
  • School-based nurseries (including academies and free schools)
    
• Providers must be Ofsted-registered and signed up for the scheme.
  

Using More Than One Provider

• You can split your hours across two providers.
  
• For example: 15 hours at a nursery and 15 hours with a childminder.
  
• You cannot use more than two providers in one day.
  

How Does it Work in Practice?

• Providers may offer:
  
  • 3 full days (10 hours per day)
    
  • 5 half-days (6 hours per day)
    
• Each provider manages their own session lengths and availability.
  
• Some may offer wraparound care at an extra cost.
  

What Happens If I Lose Eligibility?

• If your circumstances change, your eligibility may lapse.
  
• You’ll be offered a grace period (usually around half a term) to find a solution.
  
• After that, you may drop down to the universal 15 hours free childcare.
  

What is the Universal 15 Hours Free Childcare?

• All 3 and 4-year-olds in England receive 15 hours free childcare per week.
  
• No income requirements – it's universal for every child.
  
• Used term-time only (570 hours per year).
  
• You can use the 15 hours with the same or a different provider.
  

Combining the 30 Hours with Other Support

You can combine 30 hours with other financial assistance schemes:

1. Tax-Free Childcare

• Pay into a childcare account.
  
• For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2.
  
• Can be used alongside the 30 hours.
  

2. Universal Credit for Childcare

• Up to 85% of childcare costs can be claimed back.
  
• Cannot be used at the same time as Tax-Free Childcare.
  

3. Childcare Vouchers

• Closed to new applicants but still available for existing users.
  
• Can be used with the 30 free hours.
  

Can I Use the 30 Hours if My Child is at School Nursery?

• Yes, if the school offers nursery places and participates in the scheme.
  
• This includes:
  
  • Reception class nursery provision
    
  • Maintained nursery schools
    
  • Some academies and free schools
    

What About Two-Year-Olds – Do They Get Free Hours?

• Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours free childcare.
  
• Based on income, benefits, or child’s circumstances (e.g., EHCP, adoption, etc.).
  
• The 30 hours is only for 3 and 4-year-olds.
  

How Does It Help Families Financially?

• Saves parents hundreds to thousands of pounds per year.
  
• Makes returning to work more affordable.
  
• Reduces need for informal childcare support.
  
• Encourages flexible working patterns.
  

How Do Providers Manage the 30 Hours?

• Providers must:
  
  • Check parents’ eligibility codes each term.
    
  • Offer sessions that meet parental demand where possible.
    
  • Be clear about what is funded vs. chargeable.
    
• Some may have waiting lists, so early application is advised.
  

Challenges Faced by Providers and Parents

• Funding rate from government may not fully cover costs.
  
• Limited availability during peak times or in rural areas.
  
• Some parents find it confusing to navigate the application and reconfirmation.
  

Recent Expansions and Government Updates (2024–2025)

• From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can get 15 hours.
  
• From September 2024, 15 hours extended to children from 9 months old.
  
• From September 2025, 30 hours will be available for children from 9 months old to school age.
  
• These changes aim to help more working parents and increase nursery uptake.
  

Common Myths About 30 Hours Free Childcare

Myth 1: It’s 30 hours every week of the year

• Reality: It's only during 38 weeks (term time).
  

Myth 2: Everyone automatically gets it

• Reality: You need to apply and meet eligibility criteria.
  

Myth 3: All costs are free

• Reality: Some extras may still be charged.
  

Myth 4: You must use all 30 hours

• Reality: You can choose to use fewer hours if preferred.
  

Tips for Parents Using the Scheme

• Apply early to avoid delays – especially before term starts.
  
• Talk to your provider about exact schedules and fees.
  
• Keep your eligibility code safe and reconfirm it every 3 months.
  
• Consider flexible childcare options if your work pattern is irregular.
  
• Plan ahead for school holidays if your hours are term-time only.
  

Useful Contacts and Resources

• Official Government Website: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
  
• Local Authority Family Information Service: Can help match providers.
  
• Nurseries and Preschools: Contact directly for place availability and funding use.
  

Conclusion: Making the Most of Free Childcare Hours

The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a significant support system for working families in the UK. By understanding how it works, checking your eligibility, and working closely with your provider, you can maximise its benefits. Whether you're returning to work, increasing hours, or simply looking to ease financial pressure, these funded hours can make a real difference in your daily life.

Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland – Supporting Families with Free Childcare

At Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland, we proudly offer the 30 hours free childcare scheme to eligible families. Our dedicated team supports parents through every step of the process, from applying for the funding to making the most of every hour your child spends with us. With our engaging outdoor area, enriching play-based curriculum, and warm, nature-inspired environment, Little Mowgli is the perfect place for your child to grow, explore, and thrive. We believe in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and creativity—because every child deserves a joyful start to their learning journey.