Help with childcare costs

What you can receive

Families can access up to 570 funded hours per year, usually taken as:

• 15 hours per week for 38 weeks
• Stretch funding: fewer hours per week spread over more weeks of the year
  Not all providers offer this—please check with your childcare provider.

When can my child start?

Children become eligible from the term after they turn 3 years old.

Birthday range: 1 January to 31 March - funding starts from 1 April (Summer term)

Birthday range: 1 April to 31 August - funding starts from 1 September (Autumn term)

Birthday range: 1 September to 31 December - funding starts from 1 January (Spring term)

How to claim a funded place

You do not need to apply online. Simply:

1. Contact your chosen childcare provider
2. They will claim the funding on your behalf

Funded hours can be used at most childcare providers, including:

• Childminders
• Pre-schools
• Nurseries (private and school-run)
• Some out-of-school clubs

Find childcare options in your area. 

The universal 15 hours remain available until your child starts school, but no later than the term in which they turn 5 years old.

Additional support and combining schemes

You may also be eligible for:

• Early Years Pupil Premium – extra funding to support your child’s education
• Disability Access Fund – funding for providers to make reasonable adjustments for children receiving Disability Living Allowance
• Help with childcare costs – through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit

Could I get 30 hours instead?

Yes. Some families may be eligible for an additional 15 hours through the Working Parent Entitlement, giving up to 1,140 funded hours per year.

• Parents can apply from when their child turns 9 months old
• You can apply at any time after starting work
• Apply via the Best Start in Life website

You’ll receive a confirmation code to give to your childcare provider.

You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months via your online account. Gov.UK will send reminders. 

Foster carers

Foster carers must apply for the Working Parent Entitlement through the local authority, with support from their social worker.

What does funding cover?

Funded hours pay for early education time at a provider. They do not cover:

• Meals
• Nappies
• Extra hours beyond the funded entitlement
• Additional activities (e.g. trips)
• School-based early years provision

These extras must not be mandatory or a condition for accessing a funded place. Speak to your provider about optional services or alternatives.