Early education and childcare funding

You may be able to get 30 hours funded early education and childcare if:

• you live in England
• you and your partner (if you have one) are working and expect to earn at least £152 per week (on average) - equal to 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage
• your child is three to four years old

However, if you of your partner have an expected adjusted net income over £100.000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.

You could still be eligible if:

• you or your partner are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave
• you're unable to work because you're disabled or have caring responsibilities

The childcare:

• must be with an approved childcare provider
• stops when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later)

You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.

You can get the funded hours from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.

1,140 funded early education and childcare hours are available that you can use flexibly with one or more providers. Some providers will let you stretch the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Go to the step by step guide for 30 hours early education and childcare on GOV.UK

Apply for 30 hours early education and childcare on GOV.UK