Eligible families are urged to “take advantage of the scheme”
Eligible families could receive up to 30 free hours depending on their circumstances. The government has extended its funded early education scheme, potentially enabling hundreds of thousands of working parents to access 15 hours of childcare at no cost for children aged nine months and older.
Many qualifying families should have already received their unique codes and used them to secure a place in eligible childcare. However, those who require a funded spot from April will need to apply for a code by March 31.
Applications for these codes are currently open for eligible working parents whose children will be at least nine months old on or before March 31, 2025. It is important to note that these codes must be renewed every three months; failure to meet this deadline will necessitate reapplication to the scheme.
Your reconfirmation dates should be visible in your childcare account. While there is no cap on the number of codes available, childcare facilities do have a limit on the number of children they can accommodate.
It is advisable to contact your preferred provider as soon as possible to secure a spot and verify when they require your code. Parents receiving Universal Credit may also be able to double their childcare to a total of 30 government-funded hours when their child turns three or four.
The amount of free childcare you are entitled to in England is determined by several factors, including your child’s age, whether you are employed or receiving benefits, your income, and immigration status. More details on eligibility can be found on Gov.uk.
Parents returning to work after parental leave or starting a new job may qualify at different times. However, if you are applying for a child who is not the reason for your parental leave, you should be able to apply during the first relevant application period.
Most families can apply online, with the exception of foster carers. It may take up to seven days to determine your eligibility, but once approved, you will receive your childcare code.
This code must be presented to your childcare provider, who will then process it and secure your child’s place. If you’re having difficulty finding government-funded childcare in your area, your local authority may be able to assist.
It is worth noting that childcare providers can still charge for optional extras such as lunches, nappies, and trips. However, the government has stated these additional charges “must not be mandatory”, and you should be able to discuss alternative options with your childcare provider.
