This spring the childcare offer in England is changing. At present, working parents of three- and four-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours of childcare support. This offer will be extended from 1 April as follows:
- Eligible working families with children aged two years and older who applied by the 31 March and have already received their code will be able to access 15 hours of funded childcare.
- From 1 April, eligible working parents whose children will be two or older by the 31 August, can apply to receive 15 hours of funded childcare starting from September 2024.
- From 12 May, eligible working parents whose children will be aged between nine- and 23 months on 31 August, can apply to receive 15 hours childcare starting from September 2024.
Always apply as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out. Full guidance can be found on the Childcare Choices website, this also lists the offer available in other parts of the UK.
How to apply?
Check if you are eligible to use the scheme and apply online at gov.uk. A parent who is already using the childcare service for another child can add a new child to their account at any time.
Finding out if you are eligible can take up to seven days. Once approved, you’ll get a code to give to your childcare provider.
POSTED ON 29 MARCH 2024