Thousands of working parents across England can now apply for the government's significantly expanded free childcare scheme, a major rollout that promises to ease the financial burden on families.
The application portal for 15 hours of free childcare for eligible working parents of two-year-olds is now officially open. This marks the first phase of a massive expansion that will eventually see eligible working parents of all children older than nine months receive 30 hours of free childcare by September 2025.
Staged Rollout: Key Dates for Your Diary
The expansion is being introduced in stages to allow childcare providers to prepare for the increased demand:
- From April 2024: Eligible working parents of two-year-olds can access 15 hours of free care.
- From September 2024: This 15-hour offer will be extended to eligible working parents of children from nine months old.
- From September 2025: Eligible working parents of children under five will receive the full 30 hours of free childcare.
Who is Eligible for the Free Hours?
The scheme is designed to support working families. To qualify, you must:
- Have a child aged between nine months and two years old (from the relevant start date).
- Be in work, on sick leave, or on annual leave, and each parent expects to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage.
- Not have an individual net income exceeding £100,000 per year.
It's crucial to note that if you are currently receiving certain benefits or are a student, different support may be available to you instead.
How and When to Apply
Parents must apply through the official government portal on the GOV.UK website. The key date for the current phase is 31 March 2024.
To secure the 15 hours of free childcare starting in April 2024, you must have applied and received a code by this date. You then take this code to your chosen childcare provider to validate your place.
Even if you miss the March deadline, you can still apply for a place for April, but securing a spot will be subject to availability at your provider.
A Word of Caution for Parents
While the scheme covers the cost of childcare hours, providers are still permitted to charge parents for extras like meals, nappies, or optional activities. It's essential to discuss all potential costs directly with your nursery or childminder to understand the full financial picture.
This policy represents one of the most significant changes to childcare support in a decade, offering a potential lifeline to countless working families struggling with the UK's high childcare costs.
