Get 30 hours childcare – apply now
From this September, 15 hours childcare for working families with children under 3 will expand to 30 hours, meaning eligible working families can now apply for 30 hours of childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.
This expansion is designed to support your child’s early education and help you better balance work and family life. It’s the final phase of the childcare expansion, which could save families up to £7,500 per year. Apply for your childcare code by 31 August to start using the support from September
What you need to do:
- Check if you’re eligible: Working parents in England may be entitled to up to 30 hours of childcare per week for children aged 9 months to school age, during term time (38 weeks per year).
- Apply online via GOV.UK: If you’re eligible, apply now for your childcare code – you’ll need this to access your hours.
- Apply by 31 August: To start using your hours from 1 September, make sure you apply before the deadline.
- Speak to your childcare provider: Check that they offer the hours and confirm their arrangements.
- Keep your code up to date: you’ll need to reconfirm your details every 3 months via your GOV.UK account.
You’ll get a reminder when it’s time. Already using 15 hours childcare for working families? You don’t need to reapply for a new code. Simply continue to reconfirm your details every 3 months on your GOV.UK account and your existing code will update automatically to enable you to take up 30 hours from September.
For a step-by-step guide on how to apply, watch the video below with Early Years Educator, Steff, explaining the process: How to get help with the cost of childcare: government-funded support in England
Get free childcare if you’re working: Apply for free childcare – GOV.UK
