Government Funded Childcare in 2025: What Parents Need to Know
Parents of young children can benefit from significant childcare support in 2025, thanks to the continued rollout of government-funded hours.
Designed to help working families balance career and childcare responsibilities, the scheme provides up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for eligible children in England — now starting from 9 months old.
If you're considering a nursery place for your child this year, now’s the time to understand how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and how to apply…
Contents
Overview: Free Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months to 4 Years
You may be able to get free childcare if you live in England and have a child aged 9 months to 4 years.
Funded childcare must be used with a registered provider – such as a nursery, preschool or playscheme – known as 'approved childcare'.
Different schemes apply if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Click the links below for government funding options across the UK:
Who Can Get Free Childcare?
Employment
To qualify for free childcare, you (and your partner, if you have one) must:
Be in work or starting a new job
On sick leave or annual leave
On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
If you’re not working, you may still be eligible if your partner is working and you are on carer’s leave, or get one of the following:
Incapacity Benefit
Severe Disablement Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Limited Capability for Work Benefit
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
Income
Over the next 3 months you (and your partner, if you have one) must each earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage (depending on your age).
If self-employed (especially if your business is under 12 months old), you may still be eligible with lower earnings
If you work multiple jobs, your total income will be used to determine eligibility. You can check what you’re entitled to using the government's childcare calculator.
Immigration Status
You’ll both need a valid National Insurance number
The person who applies must also have at least one of the following:
British or Irish citizenship
Settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you’re waiting for a decision
Permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this
You will not be eligible if:
Your child does not usually live with you
You or your partner have an expected adjusted net income of over £100,000 in the current tax year
15 or 30 Hours Free Childcare?
15 Hours Free Childcare
Many working families in England with children aged 9 months and over are currently eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week.
If you receive certain government support or your child has additional needs, you may be able to combine 15 hours from the ‘Free Childcare for Working Parents’ scheme and 15 hours from the ‘extra support’ scheme, giving you up to 30 hours per week.
30 Hours Free Childcare
From September 2025, eligible working families will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
This expansion means families with younger children can now benefit from the same level of support previously reserved for ages 3 and 4 - helping reduce costs and support your child’s development.
When and How to Apply
When to Apply for Free Childcare?
It’s important to apply at the right time to ensure your childcare funding starts when you need it.
You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old, and your free hours will start the term after they turn 9 months old.
Read our guide on when to apply for 30 free hours here.
How to Apply for Free Childcare
Applying for government-funded childcare is straightforward – here’s how to get started:
Check Your Eligibility
Head to the Childcare Choices website and use their free eligibility checker to see if you qualify for funded hours.
Set Up a Childcare Account
To apply, you’ll need to create a Childcare Account through the Government Gateway. This account lets you manage your application and keep track of your childcare entitlements.
Complete Your Application
When filling in the form, you’ll be asked to provide some key details, including:
Your National Insurance number
Your child’s birth certificate reference number
Details of any government support you receive
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (if you’re self-employed)
Receive Your Code
If your application is successful, you’ll be sent an 11-digit code. Share this with your nursery or childcare provider, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth.
Reconfirm Every 3 Months
To keep receiving funded hours, you must reconfirm your details every three months via your online account. If you miss a reconfirmation, your funding could be temporarily paused.
Additional Costs and Considerations
While the 30 hours are free, there may still be extra costs, such as:
Meals
Nappies and wipes
Outings and enrichment activities
Extra hours beyond your entitlement
Providers are not allowed to charge top-up fees for the funded hours themselves, but it's always best to check what’s included.
At My Ohana, we aim to make all additional costs clear from the start. We’re also happy to talk through payment plans and funding options.
Why This Matters for You and Your Child
Accessing nursery places through government-funded hours not only eases financial pressure, but also supports your child’s development. In fact, early years education has been shown to help children grow in confidence, build communication and social skills, and get ready for school.
At My Ohana, we welcome children funded through government schemes and provide a nurturing environment where they can learn through play, routines, music, and role-play experiences.
From understanding why early years education is so important to supporting their development through role play, music, and daily routines, our nurseries are here to give every child the best possible start.
Does My Ohana Accept Funded Places?
Yes! We accept funded places at many of our nurseries. You’ll need to provide your eligibility code and an authorisation letter from your Local Authority.
Availability varies by location, so we recommend reaching out to your local My Ohana nursery as early as possible to secure your child’s place.
Government Funded Childcare: FAQs
Who is eligible for 30 hours free childcare in 2025?
From September 2025, working parents in England with children aged 9 months to 4 years may be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time.
To qualify, you (and your partner, if you have one) must:
Each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage
Earn less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year
Live in England and use an approved childcare provider
If you’re on maternity, paternity, adoption, or sick leave, or you receive certain disability or carer benefits, you may still qualify.
Do both parents have to work to get tax-free childcare?
Usually, yes – both parents (or the single parent in a single-parent household) need to be in paid work to qualify for Tax-Free Childcare.
However, you can still apply if one partner works and the other is:
On maternity, paternity, or adoption leave
Unable to work due to disability or caring responsibilities
This applies to the Tax-Free Childcare scheme and the 30 hours of free childcare entitlement.
Who gets 15 hours free childcare in the UK?
In England, all families with children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week, regardless of income.
From 2024–2025, this entitlement is being expanded to include younger children:
From April 2024: Working parents of 2-year-olds can claim 15 hours
From September 2024: Working parents of children from 9 months can claim 15 hours
From September 2025: Eligible parents can claim 30 hours from 9 months to 4 years
If you receive certain benefits, you may also be entitled to 15 hours of free childcare for 2-year-olds (even if you’re not working).
Can I get both Tax-Free Childcare and 30 free hours?
Yes – you can use Tax-Free Childcare alongside your 30 hours of free childcare.
Your 30 free hours cover a set number of funded hours per week, while Tax-Free Childcare helps with any additional childcare costs (for example, extra hours or meals).
When should I apply for free childcare?
You can apply once your child turns 23 weeks old.
Funded hours begin the term after your child turns 9 months old, so it’s best to apply well in advance to avoid missing out.
What if I or my partner earn over £100,000?
If either parent earns over £100,000 adjusted net income in the current tax year, your household won’t qualify for 30 hours of free childcare or Tax-Free Childcare. However, you may still be entitled to the universal 15 hours for 3 and 4-year-olds.
Do I need to reapply each term?
You don’t need to make a new application, but you must reconfirm your details every three months via your Childcare Account.
If you forget, your funding may be paused until you update your details.
Can I use my hours across multiple childcare providers?
Yes – you can split your funded hours between more than one approved provider (for example, a nursery and a childminder). You’ll just need to agree how the hours are divided between settings.
How do I find out if my nursery accepts funded places?
Most registered childcare providers accept funded hours, but availability varies.
At My Ohana, we accept funded places at many of our nurseries – simply provide your eligibility code and authorisation letter from your Local Authority.
Don’t Miss Out: Act Early
Spaces fill up quickly, especially with the expanded 30-hour entitlement starting from September 2025.
✔️ Apply before the deadline
✔️ Reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months
✔️ Share your code with your chosen nursery
Need help? Our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.
