Can I use fewer than 30 hours?

Yes. You can take any number of the funded hours up to 30. You don't have to use all 30 hours if you don't need them.

Can I combine with Tax-Free Childcare?

Yes, you can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for extra hours or wraparound care outside the funded hours.

What if I miss the application deadline?

You'll need to wait until the next term to use the 30 hours. Apply as soon as possible to get your code ready for the next term.

Do I need to reapply when my child turns 4?

No, your eligibility continues until your child starts reception class or reaches compulsory school age, regardless of when they turn 4.

Can I split the hours between providers?

Yes, you can split your funded hours between two providers in one day (e.g. nursery in the morning, childminder in the afternoon).

What happens if I stop working?

You must inform the government immediately if you stop working. You may lose your funded hours, but you can reapply when you return to work.

Are meals included in the funded hours?

No, meals are not automatically included. Providers can charge separately for meals and snacks, but they must offer alternatives like packed lunches.

Can I use the hours during school holidays?

Only if your provider offers "stretched" funding, which spreads your term-time hours across the full year including holidays.

30 hours funded childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds | Childcare Hours UK

Most working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds in England can get up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week during school term time. This is the part of the scheme that's been running the longest and many families already use it. Here's what you need to know about how it works, eligibility rules, and when it stops.

What you get

Up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare.
Based on 38 weeks a year (school terms) = 1,140 hours total per year.
Some providers offer a "stretched" option, e.g. around 22 hours a week all year.
Hours can be split between two providers in one day (e.g. nursery + childminder).

Maximum benefit

The 30 hours scheme can save families thousands of pounds per year in childcare costs, making it one of the most valuable government support schemes available.

When it starts and stops

You can start the funded hours from the term after your child turns 3.
It continues until your child starts reception class or reaches compulsory school age.
You need a valid 30 hours eligibility code before the term starts:

Term start	Application deadline	When to apply
September	31 August	By end of August
January	31 December	By end of December
April	31 March	By end of March

Don't miss deadlines

Apply well before these deadlines to ensure your eligibility code is ready when you need it. Late applications may mean missing out on funding for that term.

Who's eligible

You must meet all the scheme's conditions:

Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) usually working.
Each earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at minimum wage (averaged over 3 months).
Neither earning more than £100,000 adjusted net income per year.
Must have a valid National Insurance number and an immigration status that gives access to public funds (e.g. British citizen, Irish citizen, EU settled/pre-settled).
Foster carers: special approval is needed from the child's social worker and local authority.

Working requirements explained

• Minimum: £152 per week (16 hours at minimum wage)
• Maximum: £100,000 per year per parent
• Both parents must usually meet these requirements
• Self-employed parents are eligible
• Maternity/paternity leave counts as working

What to do next

1
Apply via GOV.UK
Use the GOV.UK Childcare Service (same account as Tax-Free Childcare) to submit your application.
2
Get your eligibility code
If approved, you'll receive an 11-digit eligibility code within a few days.
3
Share with your provider
Take the code, your NI number, and your child's date of birth to your chosen childcare provider.
4
Reconfirm every 3 months
Keep your code active by reconfirming your details every 3 months.

Application tips

• Apply early to avoid missing deadlines
• Have your payslips and income evidence ready
• Use the same account as Tax-Free Childcare if you have one
• Set reminders for 3-monthly reconfirmations

Things providers can still charge for

The free hours cover only the funded sessions. Providers may add charges for:

Meals and snacks
Nappies or consumables
Trips or optional extras

Important

They must offer a way to avoid these charges (e.g. packed lunch). You cannot be charged for the basic childcare during your funded hours.

Combining with other support

You can use your 30 hours alongside other government schemes:

Tax-Free Childcare: Use for additional hours, meals, or extras not covered by funding
Universal Credit: May still be available for some costs beyond your funded hours
Childcare vouchers: If you already receive them (scheme is closing to new applicants)

Finding suitable providers

Not all childcare providers offer funded places. When searching:

Ask specifically about 30 hours funded places
Check if they offer the hours you need
Confirm they accept the funding before applying
Consider both term-time and stretched options
Ask about additional charges for meals and extras

Common issues and solutions

Missing reconfirmation deadline

You lose your funded hours immediately. Reapply as soon as possible to get them back.

Provider doesn't offer funded places

You may need to find a different provider or pay privately for your preferred setting.

Income changes

Update your details immediately if your income changes significantly.

30 hours funded childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds

What you get

Maximum benefit

When it starts and stops

Don't miss deadlines

Who's eligible

Working requirements explained

What to do next

Apply via GOV.UK

Get your eligibility code

Share with your provider

Reconfirm every 3 months