Contact your preferred provider
It’s a good idea to contact your preferred childcare provider as early as possible to secure your place. If you’re not sure, you can enter your postcode on GOV.UK to help find childcare providers in your area. Once you have found your preferred provider, you can begin the application process. The deadline to apply will depend on when you will need childcare to start.
Find your application deadline
| If my child turns 9 months old between… | I can access 15 funded hours from… | And I need to apply by… |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 31 March |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 31 August |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 31 December |
Before you apply, you’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand:
- your National Insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
- the date you started or are due to start work
- details of any government support or benefits you receive
- the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child
If you are a foster carer, there is a separate application process. Speak to your social worker to find out more.
Once you have applied, you will receive an 11-digit code to give to your childcare provider to access the entitlements.
You’ll need to take the code to your childcare provider, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth. Your childcare provider will check the code and then allocate your child a place if they have one available.
If you have applied and are waiting for a code, we still recommend you speak to your provider to let them know you intend to take up a place.
Reconfirmation
Codes need to be reconfirmed every three months. Remember to log in to your childcare account on GOV.UK to check when your reconfirmation dates are, so that you can renew your code on time. You will also receive reminders from HMRC when it is time for you to reconfirm.
If you aren’t able to renew your code by your reconfirmation deadline, you may be able to retain your child’s childcare place for a short period; this is known as a grace period. Your provider will be able to tell you if you are in a grace period.