Funded early education starting from September 2024
Eligible working parents whose children will be aged between 9 and 23 months old on 31 December can now apply to receive 15 hours funded early education starting from January 2025.
Please remember that codes need to be renewed every three months.
Parents will need to re-confirm their eligibility by 31 December 2024 to take up their funding entitlement for the spring 2025 term.
How do I apply?
You can apply online at free childcare if you're working (GOV.UK) once you have checked the eligibility criteria for free childcare (GOV.UK).
You’ll need to have the following information to hand before starting the application:
- 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.
You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.
Once your application has been approved, you’ll be given a code to give to your childcare provider.
Tax Free Childcare
Eligible parents can also access Tax Free Childcare. For further information please visit Childcare Choices website.