There are many factors to think about when considering returning to work after having children and many parents rely on the Government's 30 hours of free childcare scheme.
While previously the 30 hours of free childcare was only available for 3 and 4-year-olds, the Government have now listened to campaigners, experts and mums and realised this needs extending. That's why the scheme is changing to become available to children from 9 months old. We've rounded up everything you need to know about the new rules from when it's coming into force to how you can claim it.
What free childcare is available currently?
Children between nine months and two years old currently get 15 hours of free childcare per week during school term time (over 38 weeks) in England. From September 2025, this will increase to 30 hours per week.
Additionally, working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week
Parents claiming Universal Credit can get help with childcare costs as they may be eligible to claim up to 85% of their childcare costs back.
Who is eligible for the new scheme?
The chancellor says the eligibility criteria will stay the same as they are under the current arrangements for three and four-year-olds. Parents are eligible if they work more than 16 hours a week and neither they nor their partner earns over £100,000.
Who will be eligible?
All parents in the household must be working a minimum of the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This means parents don’t necessarily have to work 16 hours, but their income must reflect at least 16 hours of work at the current NMW (currently £115 a week). Each individual parent must also earn less than £100,000. Lone parents will be eligible as long as they are also working the equivalent of a minimum of 16 hours per week at the NMW. Parents must live in England as the scheme is only available there.
How to apply
If you're thinking about applying to a nursery soon, then you'll want to apply for the free childcare too.
Parents in England can apply for the 30 hours of free childcare on the Government website. Here you'll find when to apply and who is eligible, with the whole application process taking around 30 minutes.
If you’re already getting 15 hours of free childcare, you’ll automatically get 30 hours from September providing you’re still eligible. You’ll just need to confirm your details are up to date in the usual way and give the code to your childcare provider.
To get 30 hours of funded childcare for the September 2025 term, you must apply by August 31, 2025.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby. With a background in both print and digital journalism, she has written extensively on pregnancy, fertility, perinatal mental health, and the best in baby and parenting products. A first-time mum to Theodore, Emily combines her professional expertise with personal experience, offering readers trusted advice and relatable insight. Specialising in product and travel reviews, she stays ahead of the curve on the latest parenting trends and is passionate about showing that life with a little one can still be full of adventure.