Applying for free childcare funding requires careful timing to avoid delays. Whether you’re applying for the ‘15 hours’ scheme for children aged 9 months to 2 years or the ‘30 hours’ scheme for children aged 3 and 4, ensuring you meet the deadlines is essential. Missing these deadlines could mean your child cannot start their free childcare in your preferred term.
Why Timing Matters
Your child’s age determines when they can begin using free childcare, and the timing of your application impacts when you receive your childcare code. If you apply too late, you may miss out on starting in your desired term. Applying too early is not permitted either.
Example:
If you want your child to begin free childcare in January, you must apply by 31 December at the latest.
What Is This Childcare Funding?
This expanded funding is for eligible working families in England with children aged 9 months to compulsory school age.
15 hours scheme: For children aged 9 months to 2 years, offering 570 free hours per year.
30 hours scheme: For children aged 3 and 4, providing 1,140 free hours annually.
These hours are typically spread over 38 term-time weeks but may be stretched across the year if your childcare provider allows.
Age Requirements for Applications
15 hours scheme:
Applications can be made when your child is at least 23 weeks old (~5.3 months).
Provision starts once they turn 9 months.
30 hours scheme:
Applications can be made once your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old (~2 years, 8 months).
Provision starts at age 3.
When Can My Child Start Using Free Childcare?
Children typically start free childcare at the beginning of one of three terms: January, April, or September. The term depends on their birthdate:
Birthdays in September–December: Start in January (apply by 31 December).
Birthdays in January–March: Start in April (apply by 31 March).
Birthdays in April–August: Start in September (apply by 31 August).
Check with your childcare provider for specific term dates.
How to Apply
Apply for your childcare funding here. You’ll need:
National Insurance number
Mobile phone
Access to your Government Gateway account (you can create one during the application).
The process is straightforward, and eligibility is often confirmed immediately. Once approved, you’ll receive a childcare code to share with your provider.
Ongoing Requirements: Reconfirm Your Eligibility Quarterly
To keep your childcare code valid, reconfirm your eligibility through your government childcare account every three months.
When Does Free Childcare End?
Free childcare funding ends when your child:
Starts school in Reception (age 4), or
Reaches compulsory school age at age 5 if you defer their school start.
At Twyning Playgroup we are delighted to offer funded childcare. Please contact us for more information.
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