Thousands more working parents can now apply for government-funded childcare with places available from September.
From today, parents of children who will be at least nine months old by 1 September can apply for access to up to 30 hours of childcare a week.
The Government says this will save families an average of £7,500 a year.
The current government doubled down on its commitment to expanding childcare, with the launch of free breakfast clubs and a school uniform price cap, which it says brings annual savings to £8,000.
It follows the roll-out of 15 funded hours for children aged 9 months and older last September, which the government says has helped nearly half a million children.
It added 97 per cent of eligible parents secured a place, with 93 per cent getting their first-choice provider.
Free hours: Eligible parents will have access to 30 hours of government-funded childcare
Who is eligible?
The childcare scheme is available to working parents in England with children aged 9 months to 4 years old.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different schemes.
Parents must earn at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average (£10,158 a year) and less than £100,000 per parent.
Those on parental leave may still be eligible if they’re planning to return to work. You will have to return to work by 30 September to be able to apply for the offer in the September to December autumn term.
Parents can receive 30 hours of funded childcare a week for 38 weeks of the year but some providers offer a ‘stretched’ option, giving around 22 hours a week across 52 weeks.
Most registered nurseries, school nurseries, and childminders accept funded hours but parents will need to check directly.
Who is not eligible?
You will not be eligible for the 30 hours if your child does not usually live with you.
You will also not receive the free hours if you earn over £100,000 in the current tax year.
Your immigration status will also affect whether or not you can apply for childcare. If you don’t have British or Irish citizenship, settled or pre-settled status (or awaiting decision) or permission to access public funds, you will not be eligible.
Can you apply if you already receive 15 hours of free childcare?
If you already use the Government’s 15 hours of funded childcare, you will not need to reapply.
Parents need to reconfirm their eligibility and if they are, their current code will unlock the full 30 hours.
If you already use tax-free childcare, which gives 20 per cent back on the cost outside of funded hours, you will still be eligible for the 30 hours.
When can you apply for 30 hours of free childcare?
The Government says the deadline for applying for 15 hours of free childcare has already passed.
You can apply for the 30 hours from when your child is 23 weeks old.
When you get your hours will depend on the date your child turns nine months old.
If your child turns 9 months old between 1 September and 31 December, the deadline for applying is 31 December and you will get your hours from 1 January.
If it’s between 1 January and 31 March, the deadline is 31 March with the hours starting 1 April.
And for children turning 9 months between 1 April and 31 August, parents have until 31 August to register in time for the 30 hours starting 1 September.
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