Childcare for 9 months to 4 Year Olds – Working Families

Working parents may be able to access up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 Years. 

These hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year (during school term time), or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total weekly hours. 

If eligible, these hours are available from the term after a child turns 9 months old. 

The childcare entitlement is Government funded as part of Best Start in Life (Gov.UK) - supporting families on their journey from pregnancy through to their child starting school and beyond. 

Eligibility 

Eligibility is determined by HMRC through the Best Start in Life (Gov.UK) service (formerly Childcare Choices). If you are eligible, you will receive an 11-digit eligibility code that you will need to provide to your chosen early education provider. 

Children cannot take up a Working Parent Entitlement Place without a valid code or start a new place if their code is in the grace period, your provider will check your code for you.  

Application Process 

You need to apply the term before you want to take up a place.

For example, if you want to take up a place for your child from September, you need to apply during the summer term (1 April-31 August).

Families who already have a Tax-Free Childcare (Gov.UK) account can apply for their eligibility code within their next reconfirmation window. Families should check their Tax Free Childcare account or contact HMRC for more information.

Eligibility Code reconfirmation process

Families must reconfirm their eligibility for the Working Parent Entitlement every 3 months, through the Best Start in Life (Gov.UK) service. Each eligibility code has an end date, and you will be given a window to complete your reconfirmation. This must take place within the window and before the start of the term. Late reconfirmation can lead to the family no longer being eligible to access the funding. 

Charges 

Your early education hours will be completely free. Government funding is not intended to cover the costs of meals and other consumables; your provider may charge for this, but it should not be a condition of your place and providers must offer alternative options for parents. Any additional charges should be agreed in advance and clearly visible on your invoice. It is advisable to check if there are any additional charges prior to taking up your place.