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30 hours childcare

Am I eligible?

Working Families with:
children aged 9 months to 4 years old, can get up to 30 hours a week
Your eligibility depends on:
  • your income
  • your immigration status.
You, and any partner, must earn:
  • no less than National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.
  • no more than £100,000 a year each
Couples could be eligible if one of you are:
  • on maternity, paternity or adoption leave,
  • unable to work because of a disability or caring responsibilities.
To find out whether you can get 30 hours and to apply go to beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education

What isn't covered by the 30 hours free/funded childcare?

The funded childcare entitlements are not intended to cover the costs of
  • meals or snacks
  • other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream),
  • extra hours or activities (such as trips).
Providers may charge a fee for these additions. Discuss with your childcare provider if you unable to pay these costs. Charges should not be a condition of accessing a free/funded place.
Please note, the entitlement to a funded place does not offer a guarantee of a place at your preferred provider.
Banner linking to Best Start In Life childcare checker