Funded Hours Explanation

📘 Funded Childcare Hours – What’s Available & Who Qualifies

✅ Overview

Children in England can access free childcare hours depending on age and parental circumstances.
  • 👶 15 hours/week for 2-year-olds (eligible families)
  • 👧 15 hours/week for all 3–4 year olds (universal)
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 30 hours/week for eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years
Hours can be taken over 38 weeks (term-time) or stretched over 52 weeks, with provider agreement.

🎯 Who Qualifies?

  • 2-Year-Olds (15 hours)
  • Families receiving certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, Tax Credits, ESA, JSA, Pension Credit, etc.)
  • Children with SEND, DLA, looked-after children, or under a kinship/guardianship order
  • 3–4 Years (15 hours)
  • All children aged 3–4 years are eligible
  • No work or income requirements
  • Working Parents (30 hours, 9 months–4 years)
  • Both parents must be working (or single parent if applicable)
  • Combined income under £100,000/year
  • Apply via GOV.UK to receive eligibility code

🔄 How Hours Can Be Used

  • ✅ Taken at approved providers only (nurseries, childminders, playschemes)
  • ✅ Can be stretched over 52 weeks for fewer hours/week
  • ✅ 30-hour scheme provides up to 1,140 hours/year
  • ⚠️ Funded hours do not cover meals, nappies, extra activities, or additional hours
  • 📌 Parents must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months

📝 How to Apply

  • 1️⃣ Check eligibility based on child age, work status, and household income/support
  • 2️⃣ Apply online via GOV.UK Childcare Account
  • 3️⃣ Receive 11-digit eligibility code to provide to your nursery
  • 4️⃣ Decide with your provider whether to use hours full-time or stretched
  • 5️⃣ Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months
Payment Link

Summary of Available Funded Hours by Age / Circumstance

Please call for further clarification and advice.
Age / Circumstance Typical Funded Offer (per week) Notes
3–4 years old (all children) 15 hours (universal) Always eligible
9 months – 4 years old (working parents) 30 hours (working parent scheme) Subject to eligibility & application
2 years old (eligible support / benefits / SEND) 15 hours Conditional entitlement
Flexibility over 38 or 52 weeks available (see below) Dependent on provider agreeing

Subject to eligibility, working-parent scheme

📞 Need Help?

Contact your nursery manager for personalised guidance about eligibility, funding, or stretched hours options.