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Childcare Choices

30 Hours Childcare for Eligible Working Families Childcare Choices logo

Final phase of childcare expansion

From this September, 15 hours childcare for working families with children under 3 will expand to 30 hours, meaning eligible working families can now apply for 30 hours of childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.

This expansion is designed to support early education and help families better balance work and family life. Parents should apply for their childcare code by 31 August to start using the support from September

What parents need to do:

  • Check if you’re eligible: Working parents in England may be entitled to up to 30 hours of childcare per week for children aged 9 months to school age, during term time (38 weeks per year).
  • Apply online via GOV.UK: If you're eligible, apply now for your childcare code – you’ll need this to access your hours Get free childcare if you're working: Apply for free childcare - GOV.UK
  • Apply by 31 August: To start using your hours from 1 September, make sure you apply before the deadline.
  • Speak to your childcare provider: Check that they offer the hours and confirm their arrangements.
  • Keep your code up to date: you’ll need to reconfirm your details every 3 months via your GOV.UK account. You’ll get a reminder when it’s time.

    Already using 15 hours childcare for working families? You don’t need to reapply for a new code. Simply continue to reconfirm your details every 3 months on your GOV.UK account and your existing code will update automatically to enable you to take up 30 hours from September.

    You can find more information about childcare options on Childcare Choices by clicking on this link below.

    www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

    Click on this link below to apply for your childcare code.

    Get free childcare if you're working: Apply for free childcare - GOV.UK

    Social post messages to communicate with your parents

    Here is some suggestions you can use to post on your social channels to promote the offer to parents:

    • Need help balancing work, childcare and family life?

    From September, eligible working parents can get up to 30 hours childcare for
    children aged 9 months until they start school.

    Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to find out more and get help that fits your family.

    • From September, eligible working parents can get up to 30 hours childcare for children aged 9 months until they start school.

    From 12 May all eligible working parents can apply to get their code.

    Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to find out more and apply now.

    You are welcome to use this general childcare support poster and there is also a general support childcare short video to share with your parents.