Free childcare and early education for 9 months to 4 years old in England

30 hours free childcare

Most working parents in England are eligible for 30 hours free childcare per week via the government's Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.

The 30 hours free childcare is available for 38 weeks of year but if you choose to take less than 30 hours per week, you may be able to stretch it over more than 38 weeks.

When can I apply?

You can apply for 30 hours of free childcare from when your child is 23 weeks old.

Why is it only 38 weeks per year?

The 38 weeks per year is based upon school term time, leaving 14 weeks for school holidays and bank holidays per year.

Are there any restrictions?

If you or your partner have an expected income of over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not usually qualify.

Find out more free childcare options from your local council

Contact your childcare provider or local council to find out more.

Where can I use my free 30 hours a week childcare?

Free early education and childcare places are available in a wide range of settings including: maintained nursery schools, nursery classes attached to primary schools and private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers including play groups, pre-schools, day nurseries, independent schools, independent childminders and childminders registered with a childminder agency.

What if I am in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

These regions of the UK operate similar free childcare schemes but they are not exactly the same to the one in England.

What is Tax-Free Childcare?

Tax-Free Childcare is another government scheme that can give you up to an additional £2000 childcare support per year.

Unlike the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme, Tax-Free childcare can also be used on Ofsted registered nannies.

Find out more information about Tax-Free Childcare