Working parents will soon be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week — but there’s only a couple of days left to apply, or risk losing out on major savings.
This policy change will see the number of hours funded by the government double, potentially slashing each family’s bills by up to £7,500 a year, according to a Department for Education’s Childcare Choices campaign.
The DoE also notes that some who were previously ineligible may now qualify, advising anyone with a child to check what’s available in terms of support.
However, with the policy set to take effect from September 2025, the next deadline for applications is now looming rapidly.
When is the deadline to apply for 30 hours of free childcare?
As part of the scheme’s staggered rollout, parents of children who turn nine months old between April 1 and August 31, 2025 have until August 31, 2025 to get their applications in.
After this, the next deadline of December 31 will apply to children who turn nine months old between September 1 and December 31 (ahead of the next term starting on or around January 1).
That means you could have as little as two days or up to four months to get everything sorted. Bear in mind though, Childcare Choices recommends applying as early as possible – ideally at least six weeks before the closing date.
How old do children have to be to qualify for 30 hours of free childcare?
Children as young as nine months can be eligible for free childcare, starting from the term after they turn nine months old, and continuing until they reach school age (four years).
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, commented: ‘Giving every child the best start in life is my number one priority, which is why we are delivering on our commitment to provide hundreds of thousands of children with 30 hours of government-funded early education.
‘The offer is just around the corner, and so I’m urging every eligible parent who wants it, to take it up.’
How to apply for 30 hours of funded childcare
The good news is that if you already receive the current allowance of 15 hours, then your regular code will work for the increased amount, once confirmed.
The government’s site explains: ‘Just reconfirm as usual and the code will work for the 30 hours offer in September, providing you remain eligible and your provider has confirmed your new attendance pattern for your increased hours.’
However, if you are new to claiming free funded childcare, information on who qualifies and how to apply for the 30-hour childcare scheme is available on through Childcare Choices.
What will the childcare funding change mean to working parents?
Sophie Lovell, a mum from Nottingham, will be accessing 30 hours of funded childcare for her daughter, Isabelle.
‘It’s such a relief knowing that support is in place,’ she says.
‘It eases the financial pressure and gives me the flexibility to balance work and parenting. I can stay in a job I enjoy, maintaining independence, while knowing Isabelle is thriving in a setting she loves.’
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