Choosing a provider
You can choose your own preferred childcare provider and should contact them as early as possible to secure your place. There is help to find childcare providers in your area on GOV.UK.
Government funding is intended to pay for 15 hours a week of high quality, flexible childcare for eligible working parents. The 15 hours must be able to be accessed free of charge to parents. From September 2025 this will increase to 30 hours per week. As the deadline for applying for 15 hours has now passed, you’ll now be applying for 30 hours instead.
If you have already applied for and are currently using the 15 hours, you’ll automatically get 30 hours from September, as long as you’re still eligible. You’ll need to confirm your details are up to date in the usual way and give the code to your childcare provider.
Government funding does not cover
- meals
- nappies
- additional hours
- additional activities, such as trips
So you might be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.
You are not able to use the entitlements for a nanny, home carer, or for childcare provided by a relative, such as a grandparent.
When you can access the working parent offer
The table below shows when you can access this funded support:
| If my child turns 9 months old between… | I can access the working parent entitlement from the… |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January |
If you wish to use your entitlements later than the term after your child turns the relevant age, you can apply closer to the time you wish to start. Provided you still meet the eligibility criteria for that entitlement at that time, you will not lose your ability to apply.