Learn how to apply for government-funded childcare hours in England — including the new expansion from 9 months old — with a step-by-step guide, eligibility criteria, and links to local authority support.
How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in England
Learn how to apply for government-funded childcare hours in England — including the new expansion from 9 months old — with a step-by-step guide, eligibility criteria, and links to local authority support.
Who Is Eligible for Free Childcare in England?
1. All 3- and 4-Year-Olds
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Every child in England is entitled to 15 free hours per week (570 hours per year, term time) starting the term after they turn 3.
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Many families also qualify for an extra 15 hours (total 30 hours) under the working-parent scheme.
2. Working Families – 30 Hours Funding (now extended)
From September 2025, the 30-hour offer is extended to younger ages:
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From 9 months up to school age: If you meet the working-parent eligibility rules, your child can now receive 30 free childcare hours per week (term time, or pro rata when stretched) starting the term after they reach 9 months.
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The same income and work conditions apply (e.g. minimum work hours, earnings under £100,000 per parent).
Previously, in April and September 2024, the rollout introduced:
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15 hours for 2-year-olds in eligible families
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15 hours for children from 9 months from September 2024 This new 30-hour extension completes the scheme’s rollout.
3. Some 2-Year-Olds (Non-Working Parents)
You may still qualify for 15 free hours for a 2-year-old if you meet certain criteria, such as:
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Income-related benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.)
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Your child has an EHC plan or receives Disability Living Allowance
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Your child is in care, adopted, or under special guardianship
Use the Government Best Start In Life Eligibility Checker to confirm your entitlement.
New Funded Hours from 9 Months (Sept 2025)
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Eligible children from 9 months old can access 15 hours initially, moving to 30 hours per week under full eligibility once the expansion is fully phased.
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The offer begins the term after your child turns 9 months old.
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Working and income eligibility criteria mirror those for 30 hours for older children.
How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in Your Council Area
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
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If you qualify for 30 hours, you’ll receive an eligibility code.
Step 2: Find a Participating Nursery
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Use Nuuri to search for nurseries near you. Only Ofsted-registered, approved providers can deliver funded hours.
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Confirm with the provider that they accept the new scheme for 9-month-old children.
Step 3: Submit the Code & Documents
You’ll typically need:
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Your child’s date of birth and address
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The 30-hour eligibility code (if applicable)
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National Insurance number and proof of identity
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Proof of income / work status
Submit these to your local authority or directly to the nursery, depending on your council’s process.
Step 4: Renew Every 3 Months
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For 30-hour funding, you must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months via the Best Start In Life government website.
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Failure to renew in time may cause you to lose your funded place.
Flexible Hours & Extra Costs
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You can stretch your hours over the year (for example, using fewer hours per week across more weeks).
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Nurseries may charge extra for meals, nappies, trips or wraparound care (outside the funded hours).
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Providers differ in how they allow flexibility - check with your nursery.
Important Notes for Parents
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Apply early. Funding windows close before term starts, so check deadlines.
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Don’t miss renewals. Missing your eligibility reconfirmation could disrupt your childcare funding.
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Confirm local rules. Some councils may have slight variations in process, so always check your local authority’s website.
For all your need-to-know nursery advice, visit our Nuuri Advice Hub.
Start your nursery search today with Nuuri: www.nuuri.co.uk
