Parent/Carer portal

Provider and School portal

Family Information Service

Expanded Early Education and Childcare for 9 Months Old to 4 Years

Eligible working families can access 30 hours of funded early education and childcare from the term after your child is 9 months old.


The 30 hours per week of funded early education and childcare is term time only (1,140 hours per year). Some childcare providers are able to 'stretch' the funding. This is where you receive less funded hours per week over more weeks of the year totalling to 1,140 hours per year. For example 22 hours per week over 51 weeks of the year. 

If you, and your partner (if you have one), are both working a minimum of 16 hours per week and each earn less than £100,000 per year you could be eligible.

To receive the funding you must apply via the GOV.UK website. 

When to apply
At the latest you must apply before the month in which the term starts. 

Child turns 9 months between 1 September to 31 December
Start January, Spring Term
Recommend to apply between 15 October to 30 November

Child turns 9 months between 1 January to 31 March
Start April, Summer Term.
Recommend to apply between 15 January to 28 February

Child turns 9 months between 1 April to 31 August
Start September, Autumn Term.
Recommend to apply between 15 June to 31 July

How it works
• apply on the Gov website below - you will be required to create an account
• if you are eligible you will receive an eligibility code
• take your code to your chosen childcare provider to secure your funding
• renew your details on your Gov account every 3 months to continue your funding


Things you may have to pay for
Your childcare provider might ask you to pay for things like:
  • food
  • nappies and sun cream
  • extra hours
  • activities or trips
These must be optional extras. If you do not want to pay for them, your provider should agree on an alternative with you. You can still get the free childcare if you do not pay for any optional extras.


Apply here 

Select here for more information and to apply

(you will be redirected to the GOV.UK website)

How to Choose a Childcare Provider 

Select here for more information on how to choose a childcare provider.