30 Hours Free Childcare Explained (2026 Guide)

The expansion of funded childcare in England is now fully rolled out, and it is the single biggest lever most working families have for cutting their nursery bill. This guide explains who qualifies, how the hours actually work in practice, and how to apply — including the deadlines that catch parents out.

What the scheme now covers

Following the phased expansion that completed in September 2025, working families in England can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week from the age of nine months until their child starts school. The rollout happened in stages: 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds from April 2024, 15 hours from nine months from September 2024, and the full 30 hours from nine months from September 2025.

Separately, every three and four-year-old in England gets 15 universal hours regardless of whether their parents work, and some two-year-olds in families receiving certain benefits qualify for 15 hours on a means-tested basis. Scotland and Wales run their own schemes — Scotland offers 1,140 funded hours a year for all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds, and Wales has the Childcare Offer for Wales — so if you live outside England, check the equivalent scheme on your national government's website.

Who counts as a "working family"?

For the working-parent entitlements, the general rule is that each parent must be working and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage, and each must have an adjusted net income of no more than £100,000 a year. The exact earnings figures change when minimum wage rates change, so always check the current thresholds on GOV.UK rather than relying on last year's numbers.

Some important nuances: single parents only need to meet the test themselves. Self-employed parents qualify if they meet the earnings threshold, with some flexibility for newly self-employed people. If one parent works and the other receives certain benefits — for example Carer's Allowance or some incapacity benefits — the family may still qualify. Parents on adoption leave, maternity leave or sick leave usually still count as working.

The "30 hours" is really 1,140 hours a year

The headline figure assumes term-time use: 30 hours a week over 38 weeks of the year. Many nurseries open all year round, and most will let you "stretch" the entitlement — taking fewer funded hours per week over more weeks, for example around 22 hours a week across 51 weeks. Ask each nursery how they apply the funding, because this varies. Our guide to term-time versus all-year nurseries explains the two models.

Also be aware that "free" hours cover childcare and early education, but providers can charge for extras such as meals, nappies, sun cream and trips. These charges must be voluntary and itemised — you can ask for them to be removed if you provide your own — but in practice they can add a meaningful amount to a "fully funded" place, so ask for a written breakdown before you sign.

When your child can start

Funded hours start from the term after your child reaches the qualifying age (and the term after you receive your eligibility code). Terms begin on 1 September, 1 January and 1 April. So a baby who turns nine months in October cannot use funded hours until January — and only if you already have a valid code by 31 December. Applying early matters.

How to apply, step by step

Step one: check your eligibility on Childcare Choices, the official government site that brings all the schemes together.

Step two: apply online through your GOV.UK childcare account. You will need your National Insurance number (and your partner's), plus details of your income. If you are eligible, you receive an 11-digit eligibility code.

Step three: give the code to your chosen nursery or childminder, along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth. They validate it with the local authority.

Step four: reconfirm every three months. You will get a reminder, but if you miss the deadline your code lapses and you can lose funded hours for the following term. Put a recurring reminder in your phone the day you first apply.

You can apply through the same account for Tax-Free Childcare, which works alongside funded hours and tops up whatever you still pay by 20 per cent.

Does every nursery offer funded places?

No — and this is the practical catch. Providers choose whether to offer funded places, how many, and on what terms. Some limit funded-only places, some require you to take additional paid hours, and popular settings may have waiting lists specifically for funded places. When you search on NurseryMatch, you can see which nurseries offer funded places for each age group, and it is worth comparing a shortlist on this before you visit. If you are in a high-demand area — funded places in London and other big cities can go quickly — read our guide on when to apply for nursery places and get your name down early.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The most common mistakes are applying too late for the term you need, forgetting the three-month reconfirmation, assuming a funded place will cost nothing at all, and assuming your preferred nursery has funded availability. All four are avoidable with a little planning. If your circumstances change — a new job, a pay rise past the income cap, a period out of work — update your childcare account promptly, as there is usually a grace period but the rules on it are specific.

Find a nursery that fits your funding

The funding only helps if you can find a good nursery that offers it, with space, near you. Search NurseryMatch to see every registered nursery in your area, filter by funded places, and compare inspection grades and parent reviews before you book your visits.