30 hours funded childcare: how it works, in plain English

Funded childcare can make a big difference to nursery costs, but the rules are easy to get lost in. Here is the short version, based on the official GOV.UK guidance.

What do you get?

If you are eligible for Free Childcare for Working Parents, you can get 30 hours of free childcare a week, for 38 weeks of the year, for a child aged 9 months to 4 years. Some providers let you take fewer hours across more weeks, so ask your nursery what they offer.

All 3 and 4 year olds in England are also entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after their child turns 3, whatever the family's income or circumstances.

Who can get the 30 hours?

You, and your partner if you have one, will usually need to be:

• in work or about to start a new job, or
• on sick leave or annual leave, or
• on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave.

You will each also need to expect to earn a minimum amount over the three months after you apply, and neither of you can have an adjusted net income over £100,000. Your child must usually live with you. GOV.UK keeps the exact income amounts up to date, so check the current rules on GOV.UK.

How to apply

1. Set up a childcare account on GOV.UK. You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.
2. If you are approved, you will get an 11-digit code.
3. Give that code to your nursery.
4. Sign in to your childcare account every 3 months to confirm your details are up to date, so your funding carries on.

What might you still pay for?

Funded hours cover childcare, but nurseries may charge for extras such as meals, nappies, additional hours on top of the funded hours, or trips. GOV.UK says that if you do not want to pay for extras, your provider should agree an alternative arrangement, for example you might provide food instead of paying for meals. Ask your nursery what is included before you sign up.

Funded places at JC Little Explorers

Our Funded Places page explains how funded hours work with us. To check availability at Purbrook or Southbourne, check availability here.

This is a general guide, not personal advice. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK for the latest.