​Starting from September 2025, working parents in England will be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years. This expansion aims to support parents returning to work and alleviate childcare costs.​

🧾 Key Details of the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme

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• Eligibility:

  • Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be working and each earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage, but less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year.

  • You may still be eligible if your partner is working and you are on certain benefits. ​GOV.UK+2Childcare choices+2GOV.UK+2

• Start Date:

  • The 30 hours entitlement begins the term after your child turns 9 months old. Terms start on 1 January, 1 April, and 1 September. ​

• Duration:

  • The 30 hours are available for 38 weeks per year (during school term time). Some providers may allow you to stretch the hours over 52 weeks by using fewer hours per week. ​

• Application Process:

  • You can apply through the Childcare Choices website. Once approved, you'll receive an 11-digit code to give to your childcare provider. You must reconfirm your eligibility every three months. ​GOV.UK

💡 Additional Support

• Universal Entitlement:

  • All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week, regardless of parental income or employment status. ​

• Support for Low-Income Families:

  • Families on certain benefits may be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare for 2-year-olds. ​

• Tax-Free Childcare:

  • You might also be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, where for every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year. ​

🔗 Useful Government Resources

• Childcare Choices – Overview and Application Portal

• GOV.UK – Check Eligibility for Free Childcare

• GOV.UK – Apply for Free Childcare

• GOV.UK – Tax-Free Childcare

• GOV.UK – Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds

• GOV.UK – Free Childcare for 3- and 4-Year-Olds

• GOV.UK – Childcare Calculator