How to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare

The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a vital support system for working families across England. It offers eligible parents of 3 and 4-year-olds the opportunity to access additional funded hours in a registered nursery, childminder, or preschool setting. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply for 30 hours free childcare, eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and how to make the most of this benefit.

What Is the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme?

The government’s 30 hours free childcare scheme is designed to support working parents by doubling the standard 15 hours of free early education available to all 3 and 4-year-olds in England.

Key Facts:

• You can get up to 1,140 hours of free childcare per year, which equals 30 hours a week over 38 weeks (school term time).
  
  
• The hours can be stretched across more weeks if needed (e.g., fewer hours per week for 50 weeks).
  
  
• It must be used at registered childcare providers such as nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, or out-of-school clubs.
  
  

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the 30 hours free childcare, you and your partner (if applicable) must meet certain criteria.

General Criteria:

• Your child must be 3 or 4 years old.
  
  
• You must be living in England.
  
  
• You and your partner (if you have one) must each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum or Living Wage.
  
  
• Each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year.
  
  

Examples of Qualifying Work:

• Full-time or part-time employment
  
  
• Self-employment
  
  
• Parental leave, sick leave, or annual leave (if still employed)
  
  
• Zero-hours contracts (if income threshold is met)
  
  

If Only One Parent Works:

You may still qualify if the other parent:

• Has a disability or health condition preventing work
  
  
• Is receiving specific benefits (e.g., Carer’s Allowance, ESA)
  
  

When Can Your Child Start?

Children become eligible from the term after their 3rd birthday.

Term Start Dates:

• 1 January to 31 March birthday → Start in April (Summer Term)
  
  
• 1 April to 31 August birthday → Start in September (Autumn Term)
  
  
• 1 September to 31 December birthday → Start in January (Spring Term)
  
  

You must apply before the start of the term you want funding to begin.

How to Apply

Applying for 30 hours free childcare is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Set Up a Government Gateway Account
   
   
   
   • Visit: www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare
     
     
   • Create or sign in to your Government Gateway account.
     
     
2. Complete the Online Application
   
   
   
   • Provide your National Insurance number.
     
     
   • Submit income details for both you and your partner (if applicable).
     
     
   • Enter your child’s date of birth.
     
     
3. Receive Your 11-Digit Eligibility Code
   
   
   
   • If approved, you’ll receive a code that looks like this: 500XXXXXXX.
     
     
   • This code is essential for your childcare provider to claim funding.
     
     
4. Give the Code to Your Provider
   
   
   
   • Share the code with your nursery or childminder.
     
     
   • They’ll verify it with your local authority.
     
     
5. Confirm Details Every 3 Months
   
   
   
   • You must reconfirm your eligibility through your account every 3 months.
     
     
   • You’ll receive an email reminder before it’s due.
     
     

Important Deadlines

To avoid delays, make sure to apply well in advance of the term start date.

Suggested Timeframes:

• Apply by mid-June for a September start.
  
  
• Apply by mid-October for a January start.
  
  
• Apply by mid-February for an April start.
  
  

Late applications could result in missing out on funded hours for that term.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you apply late, you may:

• Need to wait until the next term to receive the additional hours.
  
  
• Still be able to use the standard 15 hours, which are universally available.
  
  

Where Can You Use the 30 Hours?

You can use your free hours with any Ofsted-registered provider who is part of the scheme.

Examples:

• Private nurseries
  
  
• Pre-schools
  
  
• School-based nurseries
  
  
• Childminders
  
  
• Playgroups
  
  
• Out-of-school clubs (for eligible hours)
  
  

Make sure to check with your chosen provider to ensure they offer the 30 hours scheme.

How the Hours Can Be Used

You don’t have to use all 30 hours with one provider. Many parents use a blended approach.

Options:

• Split between two nurseries
  
  
• Use 15 hours at a nursery and 15 with a childminder
  
  
• Stretch the hours to cover more weeks with fewer hours per week
  
  

Stretched Offer Explained

Some providers offer a stretched offer, where the 1,140 hours are spread over more than 38 weeks.

Example:

• Use 22 hours per week over 51 weeks
  
  
• Ideal for working parents who need childcare during school holidays
  
  

Check with your nursery to see if they offer this option.

What’s Not Included in the 30 Hours?

Although the scheme covers childcare costs, there are extras you may need to pay for.

Additional Charges May Include:

• Meals and snacks
  
  
• Nappies and wipes
  
  
• Outings and trips
  
  
• Extra activities (e.g., swimming, music lessons)
  
  

Each provider will have their own policy. Ask for a breakdown of any additional costs upfront.

Common Application Issues

1. Invalid Code

If you don’t reconfirm your code, it may expire. Make sure to:

• Log in to your childcare account every 3 months
  
  
• Update your circumstances if needed
  
  

2. Missed Deadline

Plan ahead to avoid term delays. Set calendar reminders for the application and reconfirmation dates.

3. Changing Circumstances

If you lose your job or reduce your hours:

• You may still get a grace period of 4 to 8 weeks.
  
  
• Your provider will be informed of any changes.
  
  

Additional Support: Tax-Free Childcare

You may also be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, which can be used alongside the 30 hours scheme.

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 for disabled children)
  
  
• Use to pay for approved childcare
  
  

You must apply through the same portal as the 30 hours scheme.

What If You’re Not Eligible?

Even if you don’t qualify for the 30 hours, your child will still receive:

• 15 hours free childcare from age 3
  
  
• 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours if you receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.)
  
  

Speak to your local authority for tailored advice.

Top Tips for a Smooth Application

Start Early

Apply several weeks before the deadline to avoid delays.

Keep Records Handy

Have your National Insurance number and income details ready.

Stay Organised

Set reminders to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months.

Communicate with Your Provider

Keep your nursery informed of your plans and provide your code as soon as possible.

Local Authority Involvement

Your local authority plays a key role in managing the 30 hours scheme.

Their Role Includes:

• Verifying eligibility codes
  
  
• Working with providers
  
  
• Providing support for parents and carers
  
  

If you encounter issues, contact your local Family Information Service (FIS).

How to Find a 30 Hours Provider

Use the Government Website:

• Go to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
  
  
• Use the childcare finder tool
  
  
• Search for local nurseries, childminders, and preschools offering funded places
  
  

Other Resources:

• Ask your local authority
  
  
• Check nursery websites
  
  
• Visit providers in person to ask about availability
  
  

Questions to Ask a Provider

Before choosing where to use your 30 hours, consider the following:

• Do you offer the full 30 hours?
  
  
• Is there a stretched offer?
  
  
• Are there any extra charges?
  
  
• What’s your routine for funded children?
  
  
• How do you support working parents?
  
  

How Does It Help Working Families?

The scheme is designed to:

• Reduce childcare costs
  
  
• Encourage parents to return to or stay in work
  
  
• Provide consistent early education to children
  
  

Many families save thousands of pounds per year through this funding.

Case Study: Example Family

The Jones Family

• Both parents work 25 hours a week and earn £20,000 each.
  
  
• Their son turns 3 in July.
  
  
• They apply in June and get their code.
  
  
• From September, they use 30 hours per week at a local nursery.
  
  
• They stretch the hours to 22 per week across 51 weeks.
  
  

Outcome: They save over £4,000 per year on childcare.

Key Takeaways

• The scheme offers real financial support for working parents.
  
  
• Applications are done online and must be reconfirmed every 3 months.
  
  
• You must meet the income and employment criteria.
  
  
• Deadlines matter—apply early!
  
  
• Talk to your chosen provider about how hours are delivered.

Can I Use the 30 Hours with a Relative?

Many parents wonder if they can use their 30 hours with a family member who cares for their child. Unfortunately, you can only use the free hours with providers who are Ofsted-registered and signed up to deliver funded places. If your relative is a registered childminder and meets the official requirements, then yes—you may use your entitlement with them. However, informal childcare arrangements with grandparents, aunties, or friends who are not registered cannot receive funding through this scheme.

Flexibility Between Providers

One major benefit of the 30 hours scheme is that you can split your entitlement between multiple providers. For example, you might use 15 hours at a nursery and the remaining 15 with a childminder. This flexibility helps parents manage school runs, working patterns, or sibling pickups more efficiently. However, you must ensure that all chosen providers are registered and willing to offer funded hours. Also, remember that some settings may have limited funded places or waiting lists.

What Happens If My Circumstances Change?

If your job situation changes—such as a reduction in hours or redundancy—you may worry about losing your funding immediately. The good news is that the government has a grace period system in place. If you're no longer eligible, your child can continue receiving the funded hours for a limited time (usually a half-term period). This grace period gives you time to regain employment or make alternative childcare arrangements without sudden disruption.

Can Funded Hours Be Used for Wraparound Care?

Some parents need childcare beyond traditional nursery hours. The 30 hours can sometimes be used for wraparound care, such as breakfast clubs, after-school sessions, or holiday camps, as long as these settings are Ofsted-registered and part of the funding scheme. Discuss options with your provider, as availability and fees for wraparound care may vary. Some providers offer flexible timetables that integrate both core and extended childcare sessions.

Support for Children with Special Educational Needs

Children with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities are fully eligible for the 30 hours scheme, and additional support may also be available. Many local authorities offer Disability Access Funding (DAF) or SEND Inclusion Funds to help nurseries provide tailored support. Make sure to inform your chosen provider about your child’s needs and ask about what additional support is in place. Access to funded childcare can provide a more inclusive, stimulating, and consistent early learning experience for all children, regardless of ability.

Also Read: - Indoor activities for 2 year olds

Final Thoughts

Taking advantage of the 30 hours free childcare scheme is a great step toward balancing work and family life while supporting your child’s early education. With the right planning and communication with your provider, you can make the most of the funded hours available.

A Note from Little Mowgli Nursery, Leyland

At Little Mowgli nursery in Leyland, we proudly offer 30 hours free childcare to eligible families. Our passionate team ensures each child receives individual attention, a nurturing environment, and a curriculum that prepares them for school and life beyond. Whether you want to use the full 30 hours or a stretched option, we’re here to guide you through the process and make it simple and stress-free. Book a visit today to discover how we support working families in the heart of Leyland.