How Many Hours Free Childcare – A Complete Guide for UK Parents

Understanding how many hours of free childcare you are entitled to can be overwhelming for many parents in the UK. With varying entitlements depending on your child’s age, your working status, and the type of childcare you choose, it’s essential to break this topic into clear, digestible sections. This guide explains in detail the current UK government childcare schemes, eligibility, application process, and important considerations for families.

Introduction to Free Childcare in the UK

The UK government provides support for families to help cover childcare costs. The number of free hours available largely depends on:

• Your child’s age
  
• Your working status
  
• Whether you're eligible for certain government schemes
  

There are two main schemes available for free childcare hours:

• 15 hours free childcare
  
• 30 hours free childcare
  

Each has its own criteria and rules.

15 Hours Free Childcare

This scheme is available to all 3 and 4-year-olds in England, regardless of the parents’ income or employment status.

Key Points:

• Universal entitlement for every child aged 3 and 4.
  
• Available from the term after the child’s 3rd birthday.
  
• Applies to 38 weeks a year (during school term time).
  
• Totals 570 hours per year.
  

Flexible Use:

You may be able to stretch the 15 hours across more weeks (e.g., 11 hours per week over 51 weeks), depending on the provider.

Settings that Offer 15 Hours:

• Nurseries
  
• Pre-schools
  
• Childminders
  
• School nurseries
  

30 Hours Free Childcare

An extension of the 15-hour offer, this is available to working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify, both parents (or a single parent in a single-parent household) must:

• Be in work (including self-employed)
  
• Earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours at National Minimum or Living Wage per week
  
• Earn less than £100,000 each per year
  

Features:

• Provides up to 30 hours per week of free childcare
  
• Applies for 38 weeks a year, totalling 1,140 hours per year
  
• Like the 15 hours, this can be stretched over more weeks
  

Where It Can Be Used:

• Day nurseries
  
• Childminders
  
• Nursery schools
  
• Some playgroups and pre-schools
  

Two-Year-Old Free Childcare

Some 2-year-olds are also eligible for 15 hours of free childcare if their families meet certain criteria.

Eligibility Includes:

• Low income or receiving benefits
  
• Child has a disability
  
• Child is in foster care
  
• Family receives support under the Immigration and Asylum Act
  
• Child receives Disability Living Allowance
  

Usage:

• 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year
  
• Total of 570 free hours annually
  

This offer must be applied for through the local council.

New Changes from April 2024 Onward

The government is gradually expanding the free childcare offer to younger children as part of a childcare reform plan:

Timeline of Rollout:

• April 2024: Eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours free childcare.
  
• September 2024: Eligibility extends to children aged 9 months to 2 years (15 hours/week).
  
• September 2025: Working parents of children from 9 months to school age will be able to access 30 hours per week.
  

These changes are being implemented gradually, and parents must apply via the Childcare Choices website.

How to Apply for Free Childcare Hours

For 15 Hours (3–4-Year-Olds):

• No application is required.
  
• Speak to your childcare provider or local authority.
  

For 30 Hours or 2-Year-Old Funding:

• Apply via www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
  
• You will receive a 30 hours eligibility code
  
• Renew your code every 3 months
  
• Share the code with your childcare provider
  

Application Windows:

• Term starting in September: Apply by 31 August
  
• Term starting in January: Apply by 31 December
  
• Term starting in April: Apply by 31 March
  

Missing these deadlines could mean losing your place or delaying your entitlement.

What Is Tax-Free Childcare and Can It Be Used Together?

Yes – Tax-Free Childcare is a separate scheme that can be used alongside free childcare hours.

How It Works:

• For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2.
  
• Up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 if disabled)
  
• Available for children under 12 years old (17 if disabled)
  

You can use Tax-Free Childcare for:

• Extra hours beyond your free entitlement
  
• Childcare during holidays
  
• Childcare for school-aged children
  

8. Stretching Free Childcare Over the Year

Most entitlements are based on 38 weeks per year.

Example:

• 30 hours/week for 38 weeks = 1,140 hours
  
• If stretched over 51 weeks, it becomes approx. 22 hours/week
  

Speak to your provider to see if they offer a stretched model.

Hidden Costs Parents Should Know

Free doesn’t always mean completely free.

Potential Additional Costs:

• Meals and snacks
  
• Nappies and wipes
  
• Outings and activities
  
• Late pick-up charges
  
• Deposit and registration fees
  

Always read the provider’s contract to avoid surprises.

Choosing a Childcare Provider That Accepts Free Hours

Things to Check:

• Are they registered with Ofsted?
  
• Do they accept 15 and/or 30 free hours?
  
• What are their session timings and flexibility?
  
• Are there any top-up fees or optional extras?
  

Most nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders accept government funding, but it’s best to ask directly.

Free Childcare for Fostered Children

Foster parents can also access free childcare in some cases.

Requirements:

• Permission from the child’s social worker
  
• Carer must meet eligibility (especially for 30 hours)
  

Local authorities may offer additional support for foster children’s early education.

Free Childcare for College or Training Parents

If you’re under 20 and in education, you may get free childcare through Care to Learn.

Care to Learn Offers:

• Up to £175 per child per week in London (£160 outside London)
  
• Covers nursery fees, registration, travel, and deposit
  

Apply through your school, college, or training provider.

Employer-Supported Childcare

While the Childcare Voucher Scheme closed to new applicants in 2018, parents already registered may continue using them.

Features:

• Salary sacrifice scheme
  
• Saves on tax and National Insurance
  
• Can’t be used alongside Tax-Free Childcare
  

If you're unsure which support suits you, use the government’s Childcare Calculator.

Key Points by Child’s Age

Age 0–1:

• No universal free childcare
  
• You may qualify through Universal Credit or other support
  

Age 2:

• 15 free hours if eligible (from April 2024 for working parents)
  

Age 3–4:

• 15 hours universal entitlement
  
• 30 hours for working families
  

Age 5+:

• Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit continues
  
• School-age wraparound care costs can be supported

Also Read: - Is nursery good for 1 year old

Universal Credit Childcare Support

Low-income families may claim back childcare costs through Universal Credit.

Benefits:

• Claim up to 85% of childcare costs
  
• Up to £1,014/month for one child
  
• Up to £1,739/month for two or more children
  

Submit receipts and pay the provider directly.

Why Free Childcare Is Important

Free childcare offers many advantages:

• Reduces financial pressure on families
  
• Encourages early learning and school readiness
  
• Supports working parents
  
• Boosts social development of children
  
• Allows parents to train or study
  

Tips to Maximise Your Free Childcare Hours

• Register early and apply before the deadline
  
• Speak to multiple providers for flexibility
  
• Understand the terms of “free” – ask about extras
  
• Consider using Tax-Free Childcare together
  
• Keep your 30-hour code updated
  
• Don’t forget stretched offers if you work year-round
  

Challenges with Free Childcare Funding

Despite its benefits, there are some challenges:

• Limited places at popular nurseries
  
• Top-up fees add unexpected costs
  
• Administrative complexity
  
• Shortfall in funding from government to providers
  

These issues can result in waiting lists or limited availability during popular sessions.

Help for Parents Who Don't Qualify for 30 Hours

If you’re not eligible for the full 30 hours, other options include:

• 15 universal hours (if child is 3–4)
  
• Tax-Free Childcare
  
• Universal Credit
  
• Local council discretionary funds
  

Never hesitate to reach out to your local authority for support.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how many hours of free childcare you’re entitled to—and how to make the most of them—can help ease the pressure of parenting. Whether you’re returning to work or want to give your child a head start, these schemes are designed to support your family’s unique needs. Be proactive, apply early, and explore all available options to ensure your child gets quality care without financial strain.

Little Mowgli Nursery – Leyland, Lancashire

At Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland, we proudly support families in accessing their free childcare entitlements—whether that’s 15 or 30 hours per week. Our passionate team ensures each child receives high-quality, personalised care in a safe and inspiring environment. Whether your child is in our Tigers or Giraffes room, we offer a nurturing space filled with creativity, outdoor play, and meaningful learning experiences. We work closely with parents to guide them through the application process for funded hours and tailor sessions to meet family needs. At Little Mowgli, your child’s early years are in the best hands—where every explorer begins their journey with confidence, joy, and curiosity.