From September 2025, the UK government expanded its support for working parents in England by offering 30 hours of free childcare per week for eligible families. This change is designed to make childcare more affordable, keep more parents in work, and give children a strong start in early education.
But how does it actually work, who qualifies, and what do parents need to know before applying? Here’s a full guide.
What Is the 30 Hours Childcare Scheme?
The scheme adds 15 extra free hours to the existing entitlement of 15 hours for 3- and 4-year-olds. This gives working parents 30 hours per week during school term time (38 weeks per year).
Parents who need year-round care can choose to “stretch” the funding, receiving about 22 hours per week over 52 weeks instead.
Who Is Eligible for 30 Hours Free Childcare?
To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:
- Your child is 3 or 4 years old and lives in England.
- Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) are working at least 16 hours per week at minimum wage.
- Each parent earns between £8,670 and £100,000 per year.
- Self-employed parents and those on variable hours (e.g., zero-hours contracts) are also eligible, as long as average earnings fit the criteria.
How to Apply for 30 Hours Childcare
Parents must apply online through the official Childcare Choices website.
Steps to apply:
- Apply the term before your child turns 3 or 4.
- Receive an eligibility code from HMRC.
- Give this code to your childcare provider along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth.
- Confirm your details with HMRC every 3 months to keep your funding active.
What’s Covered and What’s Not?
?? Funded childcare hours with nurseries, pre-schools, and registered childminders.
?? Choice to spread hours term-time only or year-round.
? Meals, snacks, nappies, and extras (some providers charge for these).
? Extra hours outside the funded 30 hours.
Benefits for Parents
- Save money: Families can save up to £7,500 per year.
- Work flexibility: Easier for parents to stay in work or increase hours.
- Support children’s learning: Kids enjoy structured play, early education, and socialisation.
Challenges and Criticisms
- Limited availability: Not all providers can offer the full 30 hours.
- Hidden costs: Parents may still pay extra for meals and wraparound care.
- Funding gap: Nurseries argue the government’s funding doesn’t cover real costs, leading to higher fees elsewhere.
FAQs About the 30 Hours Childcare Scheme
Can I use 30 hours childcare with more than one provider?
Yes. Parents can split the entitlement across different settings, e.g., a nursery for mornings and a childminder for afternoons.
Can grandparents provide the funded hours?
No. Only Ofsted-registered nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders can offer the funded places.
Does 30 hours cover holiday clubs?
Not usually. The scheme is aimed at early years childcare, but some providers stretch the hours across the year. Parents may still need to pay for holiday clubs separately.
What if I earn more than £100,000?
If one parent earns above £100,000, your household is not eligible for the 30 hours. However, you may still qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, which gives up to £2,000 per child per year toward childcare costs.
Do foster parents qualify?
Foster carers may be eligible if it’s agreed with the local authority that childcare is in the best interests of the child.