Funded Hours Explanation

Funded Childcare Hours – What’s Available & Who Qualifies

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

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

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