30 hours funded childcare for three and four year olds

All parents and carers who have children aged three or four are entitled to 15 hours a week funded childcare. Working parents may be entitled to 30 hours a week.

To be eligible for the increased funded hours, each parent must:

  • earn at least £120 a week
  • not earn £100,000 or more a year

People could still be eligible if they or their partner is on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, are unable to work if they have a disability or caring responsibilities. Single parents can also apply. 

Successful applicants will receive a code which they then take to their chosen childcare provider as soon as possible. 

Parents must apply before the end of each school term to secure a place for the next term. Parents who already have an eligibility code, must reconfirm their eligibility for 30 hours every 3 months.

Funded childcare places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools, day nurseries, pre-schools and childminders. 

Not eligible?

If you don't meet the criteria for extended funded childcare, all three and four-year-olds are still entitled to 15 hours of funded education at a range of childcare providers for 38 weeks of the year.

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