Check your hours & save
Free calculators and plain-English guides to help you understand childcare funding, check eligibility, and save money.
Free calculators
Get instant answers to your childcare funding questions with our easy-to-use tools.
Eligibility Checker
Find out if you qualify for funded childcare hours
Savings Calculator
Calculate how much you could save on childcare costs
Deadline Planner
Get key dates for applications and term starts
Popular guides
Step-by-step help for common childcare funding questions.
How to apply for 30 hours funding step-by-step
Complete walkthrough of the application process
30 hours funding by age: 9-23 months
Everything parents need to know for younger children
Tax-free childcare vs 30 hours funding
Compare both schemes to maximize your savings
Finding childcare places and managing waitlists
Practical tips for securing a nursery place
Understanding fees, meals and extras
What's included in funding and what costs extra
Stretched vs term-time hours explained
Choose the right option for your family
Find local information
Get specific guidance for your area, including local council contacts and regional variations.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common childcare funding questions.
What is 30 hours free childcare?
30 hours free childcare is a UK government scheme providing funded childcare hours for eligible working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds, and some 2-year-olds from September 2024.
How do I check if I qualify for free childcare?
Use our free eligibility checker to instantly check if you qualify. You need to be working, earning between £152 per week and £100,000 per year, and meet residency requirements.
When can my child start using funded hours?
Children can start using funded hours from the term after they become eligible. Term starts are September, January, and April each year.
How much can I save with funded childcare?
Savings vary significantly by location, provider, and your specific circumstances. The 30 hours funding can provide substantial savings, but actual amounts depend on your childcare costs and eligibility. Use our savings calculator for personalized estimates based on your situation.
Do I need to reapply for funded childcare?
You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months through your online childcare account to keep receiving funded hours.
Start checking your childcare funding today
Use our free calculators to understand your childcare funding options and make informed decisions for your family.