When Does 30 Hours Free Childcare Start in the UK?

The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a crucial initiative by the UK government to support working parents by reducing the financial burden of childcare.

With recent expansions to include younger children, this scheme aims to provide affordable childcare and enable more parents to stay in employment.

In 2024 and 2025, the government is rolling out new eligibility criteria, allowing parents of younger children to benefit from free childcare hours.

But when exactly does this scheme start, and how can parents take advantage of it? This guide answers all your questions about the 30 hours free childcare programme.

What Is the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme?

The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a government-funded initiative aimed at helping working parents in England with childcare costs.

It extends the existing 15 hours of free childcare for all three- and four-year-olds, providing eligible families with additional support.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Available to working parents who meet specific income criteria.
• Covers up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks per year.
• Can be used at registered childcare providers, including nurseries, childminders, and preschool settings.
• Parents can choose to stretch the hours over 51 weeks, reducing the weekly allocation but covering more of the year.

This initiative is designed to help parents stay in work, increase their working hours, and reduce the financial burden of childcare.

When Does the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme Start?

The scheme has been in place for eligible three- and four-year-olds since its launch in 2017. However, the UK government is expanding it to cover younger children in phases:

• April 2024 – Parents of two-year-olds can access 15 hours of free childcare.
• September 2024 – Parents of children aged nine months and over can access 15 hours.
• September 2025 – Eligible parents of children under five can access the full 30 hours.

These changes are being introduced gradually to ensure childcare providers have time to adapt to the increased demand.

Who Is Eligible for 30 Hours Free Childcare in the UK?

Eligibility for the scheme is based on both parental income and the age of the child.

Parent Criteria:

• Each parent (or single parent) must earn at least £167 per week, equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage.
• Household income must not exceed £100,000 per year per parent.
• Self-employed parents can apply as long as they meet the income requirements.
• Parents on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave may still qualify if they meet the criteria.

Child Criteria:

• Must be the correct age for the phased rollout (see start dates above).
• Must be living in England (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate childcare funding systems).

Some families with special circumstances, such as foster carers or parents with disabilities, may also qualify for additional childcare support.

How Can Parents Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare?

Applying for the 30 hours free childcare scheme is a straightforward process, but parents must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and apply on time to avoid missing out.

Applications are handled online through GOV.UK, and parents need to reconfirm their eligibility every three months to continue receiving the funding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for 30 Hours Free Childcare

1. Check eligibility on GOV.UK

• Parents should first verify whether they meet the income and employment requirements.
• They can use the online eligibility checker on GOV.UK to confirm their status.

2. Create a childcare account

• Applications are processed through a government childcare account, which can be created online.
• This same account can also be used for other childcare benefits, such as Tax-Free Childcare.

3. Complete the application form

• Parents need to provide personal and employment details, including:
• National Insurance (NI) number
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number (if self-employed)
• Details about their child and household income
• If both parents are applying, details for both individuals must be submitted.

4. Receive an eligibility code

• Once the application is processed, eligible parents receive a unique 11-digit code.
• This code is required to claim the funded hours from a childcare provider.

5. Find a childcare provider

• Parents must choose a registered childcare provider that accepts 30 hours free childcare.
• The code must be given to the provider, who will verify it with the local authority before confirming the place.

6. Confirm eligibility every three months

• Parents must reconfirm their eligibility every 3 months via their childcare account.
• If they fail to reconfirm, they may lose their funded place, and they would have to reapply.

When Should Parents Apply?

Parents need to apply at least a term before their child becomes eligible. Applications should be completed in line with the following deadlines:

If parents miss the deadline, they may have to wait until the next term for their funding to begin.

What If the Application Is Delayed or Rejected?

If an application is delayed, parents should contact HMRC’s Childcare Service helpline to check their status.

If an application is rejected, parents should:

• Double-check their eligibility criteria.
• Update any incorrect information.
• Reapply if their circumstances change (e.g., if their income increases).

Can Parents Apply If They Are Self-Employed?

Yes, self-employed parents are eligible as long as they meet the minimum income requirement.

If they are newly self-employed and do not yet meet the earnings threshold, they may still qualify under the government’s start-up period allowance.

Applying early and staying updated with eligibility requirements ensures that parents can secure their 30 hours free childcare without interruptions.

Where Can Parents Use the 30 Hours Free Childcare?

The funding can only be used at approved childcare providers that are registered with their local authority. These include:

• Nurseries and preschools – Most accept government funding but may have additional charges.
• Childminders – Many independent childminders participate in the scheme.
• School-based nurseries – Some primary schools offer funded places.
• Playgroups and out-of-school clubs – Certain community settings provide childcare funded through the scheme.

Parents should check directly with their chosen provider to confirm availability and any extra costs, such as meals, nappies, or extracurricular activities.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of This Scheme?

The 30 hours free childcare scheme has been introduced to support working parents by reducing childcare costs and enabling them to stay in or return to work.

While it offers several advantages, there are also some limitations that parents need to consider before applying.

1. Significant Cost Savings

• Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for working parents in the UK.
• By receiving 30 hours of free childcare per week, families can save thousands of pounds per year.
• This financial relief allows parents to allocate their income to other essential expenses, such as housing, bills, and savings.

2. Encourages Workforce Participation

• Many parents, especially mothers, face difficulties returning to work due to high childcare costs.
• With free childcare hours, parents have more flexibility to increase their working hours or re-enter the workforce.
• Employers also benefit as they retain skilled employees who might have otherwise left due to childcare responsibilities.

3. Supports Early Childhood Development

• High-quality early years education helps children develop essential skills before starting school.
• Studies show that structured learning environments contribute to better social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Children benefit from improved communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through interaction with peers.

4. Flexibility in Usage

• The scheme allows parents to choose between different childcare providers, including nurseries, preschools, childminders, and school-based settings.
• Parents can opt to use the full 30 hours during term time (38 weeks) or spread fewer hours across 51 weeks for year-round support.

5. Combination with Other Childcare Schemes

• Parents can still use Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit Childcare Support, or childcare vouchers alongside the 30 hours free childcare.
• This enables parents to further reduce their childcare expenses and access additional financial support.

Limitations of the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme

1. Limited Availability of Places

• Not all nurseries and childcare providers participate in the scheme.
• Some providers have limited spaces, meaning parents need to apply early to secure a place.
• High demand in certain areas, particularly major cities, can make it difficult to find a provider that offers the full 30 hours.

2. Not a Year-Round Scheme

• The standard offer only covers 38 weeks of the year (school term time).
• Parents needing childcare during the summer holidays or other school breaks must cover costs for those weeks.
• Some providers allow parents to spread the hours across the full year (e.g., 22 hours per week for 51 weeks), but this depends on availability.

3. Extra Charges from Childcare Providers

Although the hours are free, some childcare providers charge for extras, such as:

• Meals and snacks
• Nappies and wipes
• Educational trips and activities

These additional costs can add up, making the scheme not entirely free for some parents.

4. Strict Eligibility Criteria

• Parents must earn at least £167 per week but less than £100,000 per year.
• Families where one parent is not working (unless in specific circumstances) do not qualify.
• Parents must reconfirm their eligibility every 3 months, which can be an added administrative burden.

5. Not All Providers Offer Full 30 Hours

• Some nurseries and preschools may only offer 15 funded hours, meaning parents might have to find an additional provider.
• Others may require parents to pay for extra hours beyond the funded amount.

6. Potential Impact on Private Nurseries

• Some private childcare providers have reported that the funding they receive from the government is not enough to cover their costs.
• This has led to some nurseries increasing private fees, reducing the number of funded places, or withdrawing from the scheme entirely.

Key Considerations for Parents

• Apply early to secure a place at a preferred childcare provider.
• Check with the provider about any additional charges.
• Plan for holiday periods, as the scheme does not cover full-year childcare unless hours are stretched.
• Ensure continued eligibility by reconfirming details every three months through GOV.UK.

While the 30 hours free childcare scheme offers valuable financial relief and increased work opportunities, parents must carefully consider the limitations and plan accordingly to make the most of the programme.

What Changes Are Expected in the Future?

The UK government has pledged additional funding to expand and improve childcare access. Future developments include:

• Increased investment in early years education to ensure more childcare providers can offer funded places.
• Expansion of nursery spaces to meet growing demand.
• Adjustments to funding rates to support the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

As the phased rollout continues, parents are encouraged to stay updated on changes that may affect their eligibility and childcare options.

Conclusion

The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a valuable support system for working parents, helping reduce costs while ensuring children receive quality early education.

With the new eligibility expansions in 2024 and 2025, even more families can benefit.

Parents should apply early, check their eligibility, and secure a place with a registered childcare provider. For the latest updates, visit GOV.UK or speak to your local council.

FAQs 30 Hours Free Childcare

How is the 30 hours free childcare different from tax-free childcare?

Tax-free childcare is a separate scheme where the government contributes £2 for every £8 you spend on childcare, up to £2,000 per year per child. You can use both schemes if eligible.

Can I use 30 hours free childcare with other benefits?

Yes, you can combine it with Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit Childcare, or Working Tax Credit Childcare Support if eligible.

What happens if my income changes after applying?

If your income temporarily drops below the threshold, you will still receive funding during a grace period before eligibility is reassessed.

Can self-employed parents apply for the scheme?

Yes, self-employed parents can apply as long as they meet the minimum earnings requirement.

Is the 30 hours free childcare available all year round?

The standard offer is 38 weeks per year. Some providers allow parents to spread the hours over 51 weeks with reduced weekly hours.

Do all nurseries accept the 30 hours free childcare scheme?

No, participation is voluntary, and some nurseries may not offer the full 30 hours due to funding concerns.

What should I do if my application is rejected?

Check your details, contact HMRC for clarification, or reapply if your circumstances change.