Free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

5. Free childcare for adopters and prospective adopters

The prospective adopter(s) or adopters must apply for 30 hours through the Childcare Service, rather than via the local authority, as they are no longer foster parents.

If the prospective adopters do not hold the child’s birth certificate, they will need to provide HMRC with the adoption placement order from the adoption agency.

They must meet the eligibility criteria for 30 hours in the same way as non-foster parents including the minimum income requirement and reconfirm via the Childcare Service.

This remains the same when the adoption order is granted by the court.

Please see the following page for more information on the 30 hours application process.