how to apply for 15 hours free childcare​

Navigating the world of government-funded childcare can feel overwhelming for parents returning to work or managing childcare costs. The good news is that thousands of families across England now qualify for 15 hours of free childcare each week. This guide explains who can access this support, how the application process works, and what you need to know about the 30 hours free childcare work entitlement.

Understanding the 15 Hours Free Childcare Scheme

The 15 hours free childcare offer is part of the government's expanded childcare support programme. This scheme helps working families balance career commitments with raising young children.

From September 2024, eligible working parents can access 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week for children aged nine months to four years. The funding covers 38 weeks per year, which typically aligns with school term times. This works out to 570 free hours annually.

Some childcare providers, like Little Mowgli Nursery in Leyland, may offer flexibility to spread these hours over more weeks if you prefer fewer hours across a longer period. Check with your chosen provider about their specific arrangements.

Who Qualifies for 15 Hours Free Childcare

Eligibility depends on your child's age and your family's work situation.

Age-Based Eligibility

Children qualify for different levels of support based on age:

• Children aged 9 months to 2 years: 15 hours per week for working families
• Two-year-olds from families receiving certain benefits: 15 hours per week
• All three and four-year-olds: 15 hours per week (universal offer, no work requirement)

Work and Income Requirements

For working parents, both you and your partner must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage. This currently means earning around £8,670 annually. Neither parent can earn more than £100,000 per year.

If you're self-employed, on a zero-hours contract, or have fluctuating income, you can use an average of your expected earnings across the tax year. This flexibility recognises that not everyone has regular pay patterns.

Parents on maternity, paternity, adoption leave, sick leave, or annual leave may still qualify. Single parents need to meet the work requirements themselves, while couples must both meet the criteria.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for your 15 hours free childcare involves creating an online account and receiving an eligibility code. Here's what to do.

Before You Start

Gather these documents and details:

• National Insurance number (both parents if applicable)
• Unique Taxpayer Reference if self-employed
• Date you started or will start work
• Child's birth certificate reference number
• Details of any benefits you receive
• Partner's details if you live together

Apply Online

Visit the government website and set up a childcare account through the Best Start in Life service (formerly known as Childcare Choices). The application usually takes about 20 minutes to complete.

You'll answer questions about your work, income, and family situation. The system checks your information against HMRC records to verify eligibility.

You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. The exact start date for your funding depends on when your child reaches the qualifying age.

Receive Your Code

Most applicants find out if they're eligible straight away, though it can take up to seven days. You'll receive an 11-digit eligibility code in your online account.

HMRC will notify you by text or email when the code is available. Keep this code safe as you'll need to give it to your childcare provider.

Timing Your Application

When you apply affects when you can start using your funded hours.

Application Deadlines

You must apply for a code by the end of the month before a new term starts. Terms typically begin on 1 January, 1 April, or 1 September each year.

If the autumn term starts on 1 September, apply by 31 August. For January starts, apply by 31 December.

Planning for Parental Leave

Parents returning from parental leave have special considerations. If you're returning to work for the child who is the reason for your leave, you can apply at the same time as everyone else, provided you plan to return before the end of the relevant term.

Your application may show as 'pending' if it's more than 31 days before your return date, but you'll still receive confirmation by post within two weeks.

How to Use Your 30 Hours Free Childcare Work Entitlement

Working parents of three and four-year-olds can access an additional 15 hours, giving them 30 hours total per week.

Moving from 15 to 30 Hours

From September 2025, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. This represents a significant expansion of support.

If you already claim 15 hours and still meet the eligibility criteria, you can keep reconfirming as normal. Your existing code will automatically update for 30 hours when the expansion takes full effect.

Eligibility Stays the Same

The work and income requirements for 30 hours free childcare work support remain identical to the 15-hour scheme. You must earn between £8,670 and £100,000, work at least 16 hours weekly at minimum wage, and reconfirm eligibility every three months.

Maintaining Your Eligibility

Getting your code is just the beginning. You need to keep your eligibility active.

Three-Monthly Reconfirmation

You must reconfirm your eligibility by signing into your childcare account every three months. HMRC will send reminders when it's time to check your details.

This reconfirmation ensures you still meet the work and income criteria. Your circumstances might change - you could start a new job, go on leave, or have income fluctuations. The system needs current information to verify ongoing eligibility.

If you apply more than three months before the term starts, you'll need to reconfirm before taking up your place. This keeps your code valid.

What Happens If Things Change

Life doesn't stand still. If you lose your job, reduce your hours, or have other changes, you may enter a 'grace period'. This gives you time to find new work without immediately losing your funded childcare.

The grace period typically lasts until the end of the following term. After that, you may drop to the universal 15-hour entitlement (for three and four-year-olds only) or lose funding entirely if you no longer meet any eligibility criteria.

Finding and Booking Your Childcare Place

Your eligibility code means nothing without a childcare place to use it.

Choosing a Provider

You can use your funded hours at any registered provider who participates in the scheme. This includes:

• Day nurseries
• Pre-schools
• Childminders
• School-based nurseries
• Out-of-school clubs

Check that providers are registered with Ofsted and confirm they accept government funding before committing.

Little Mowgli Nursery welcomes families using funded childcare hours and works with parents to make the process as smooth as possible. We serve families across Leyland and surrounding areas, accepting children from 3 months onwards.

Securing Your Place

Contact your preferred provider as soon as possible to check when they need your code. Demand for places can be high, particularly in popular settings.

If you struggle to find a place, contact your local authority. They maintain lists of providers in your area and can help source available spaces.

Give your 11-digit code to your chosen provider. They'll validate it through the government system before confirming your child's place.

What the Funding Covers and Doesn't Cover

Understanding what's included helps avoid surprises.

Included in Funding

The 15 or 30 hours cover early education and childcare from registered providers. This means your child receives supervised care and age-appropriate learning activities during funded hours.

Additional Charges

Providers may charge for extra services such as meals, nappies, or optional activities like trips. These costs sit outside the funded hours.

Some settings charge for hours beyond your funded entitlement if you need additional care. Providers should be transparent about all fees before you commit.

Nurseries cannot charge top-up fees for funded hours themselves or require non-refundable registration fees as a condition of taking up your funded place.

Combining Funded Hours with Other Support

The government offers several schemes that work together.

Tax-Free Childcare

HMRC checks if you're eligible for Tax-Free Childcare when you apply for free childcare. This separate scheme lets you pay up to £2,000 annually per child into a special account, and the government adds 20% on top.

You can use Tax-Free Childcare for hours beyond your funded entitlement, helping with wraparound care or additional days.

Universal Credit Childcare

Families on Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs. Check whether Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit childcare support works better for your situation - you cannot claim both simultaneously.

Common Questions and Issues

Several situations cause confusion for applicants.

Irregular Work Patterns

Zero-hours contracts, seasonal work, and variable income don't disqualify you. Use your average expected earnings over the tax year to meet the threshold.

If you work two weeks out of three and earn enough during working weeks to average 16 hours at minimum wage across all weeks, you qualify.

Foster Parents

Foster carers can claim funded childcare if they work outside their fostering role and meet the income criteria. Speak to your social worker and local authority to apply, as the standard online system doesn't handle foster care applications.

Non-British Citizens

To be eligible, you must have a National Insurance number or certain other documents. Non-EEA nationals must have recourse to public funds. Check the specific requirements on the government website if you're unsure about your status.

Making the Most of Your Childcare at Little Mowgli Nursery

Once you've secured your funded hours, focus on settling your child into their new environment.

At Little Mowgli Nursery, we believe in nature-inspired learning and creating a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Our two dedicated rooms - Tigers and Giraffes - provide age-appropriate spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

We work closely with families to ensure children get the most from their time with us, whether they attend for funded hours only or combine funding with additional paid sessions.

Located in Leyland and serving families from surrounding areas including Midge Hall, Wymott, Longton, and Chorley, we're here to support your family through the childcare journey.

Next Steps: Taking Action

Start your childcare funding application today.

Visit the Best Start in Life website (formerly Childcare Choices) to check your eligibility and begin your application. Gather your documents first to make the process quicker.

Research childcare providers in your area and arrange visits. Look for settings that align with your values and meet your practical needs.

If you have questions about the application or need help with the process, contact the Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097. They're available Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, and Saturday 8am-4pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for 15 hours free childcare if I work from home?

Yes, working from home counts as employment provided you meet the minimum income requirements. You need to earn the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage, regardless of where you work. Self-employed parents working from home qualify if they meet the same income threshold and expect to continue earning at this level.

What happens to my funding if I go on maternity leave for a second child?

Your eligibility continues during maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave. You'll still need to reconfirm your details every three months as usual. When you return to work, your funded hours continue uninterrupted as long as you still meet the income criteria. This protects your childcare during family changes.

How do the 30 hours free childcare work requirements differ from 15 hours?

The eligibility criteria are identical for both 15 and 30 hours. Both require you to earn between £8,670 and £100,000 annually and work at least 16 hours weekly at minimum wage. The difference is the age of your child and when the entitlement becomes available. Three and four-year-olds from working families can access 30 hours, while younger children get 15 hours.

Can I use my funded hours across multiple childcare providers?

Yes, you can split your funded hours between up to three providers. This might mean using a nursery for some days and a childminder for others, or combining a pre-school with wraparound care. Tell each provider you're splitting hours so they claim the correct amount. The total claimed cannot exceed your 15 or 30-hour entitlement.

What should I do if my application is rejected or my circumstances change mid-term?

If rejected, check the reason in your account. Common issues include income falling below the threshold or missing information. You can reapply once you address the problem. If circumstances change during a term (like job loss), you'll enter a grace period allowing you to keep funding temporarily while you find new work. Update your account immediately when situations change to avoid code suspension.

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