Free Childcare Hours in the UK: What You Need to Know

Childcare costs in the UK are among the highest in the world. Fortunately, the government offers funded childcare hours that can significantly reduce your bill. Here is what you need to know about claiming your free hours.

The Universal 15 Hours (All 3-4 Year Olds)

Every child in England is entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week from the term after their third birthday until they start school. This is universal, meaning it applies regardless of your income or working status. The 15 hours can be spread across a minimum of two days and a maximum of five days per week.

The Extended 30 Hours (Working Parents)

If both parents are working (or you are a working single parent), you may qualify for an additional 15 hours, giving you 30 free hours per week. To be eligible, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage, and neither parent can earn more than 100,000 pounds per year. Self-employed parents also qualify if they meet the earnings threshold.

Funded Places for Two-Year-Olds

Some two-year-olds are also entitled to 15 hours of free childcare. This is means-tested and usually available to families receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit with a household income below the threshold, Income Support, or Jobseeker's Allowance. Children in care, those with an Education, Health and Care plan, and those receiving Disability Living Allowance also qualify.

Expanded Entitlement for Under-Twos

From September 2024, the government expanded funded childcare to include younger children. Working parents of children from nine months old can now access 15 hours of funded childcare per week, rising to 30 hours from September 2025. The eligibility criteria follow the same working parent rules as the 30-hour entitlement for three and four-year-olds.

How to Claim Your Free Hours

For the universal 15 hours, simply speak to your chosen nursery. They will handle the paperwork. For the 30-hour entitlement, you need to apply through the HMRC Childcare Service on GOV.UK. You will receive an eligibility code that you give to your nursery. Remember to reconfirm your eligibility every three months, or you will lose the extended hours.

What Free Hours Actually Cover

Funded hours cover the cost of early education and care during those hours. However, many nurseries charge for extras such as meals, nappies, outings, and consumables. Some nurseries also charge a top-up fee if their hourly rate exceeds the government funding rate, though this is a grey area and the subject of ongoing debate. Always ask your nursery to be transparent about any additional charges.

Finding Nurseries with Funded Places

Not all nurseries offer funded places, and those that do may have limited availability. On NurseryMatch, you can filter nurseries by whether they offer funded places for two-year-olds or three to four-year-olds. Each nursery profile shows the number of funded places available, making it easy to find options near you.

Plan Ahead

Funded places are allocated termly and popular nurseries fill up quickly. Start researching nurseries and applying for your eligibility code well before you need the place. The three intake points are September, January, and April, and your child can start from the term after they reach the eligible age.