Can I get 30 hours free childcare if I work part-time?

Yes - the minimum earnings threshold is equivalent to 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage, which works out to roughly £10,158 per year from April 2025. You don't need to work full-time. As long as both parents (or a single parent) meet that minimum earnings level, part-time workers are eligible.

When can I start using the 30 hours?

Funding starts from the term after your child turns 9 months old - not on their exact 9-month birthday. Terms begin in September, January and April, so the timing depends on when your child's 9-month milestone falls relative to those dates. You can apply for your eligibility code from when your child is 23 weeks old.

Do I need to use all 30 hours at the same provider?

No - you can split your 30 hours across more than one approved provider. Some parents use a mix of nursery and a registered childminder, for example. Each provider will need your eligibility code and will claim the relevant funded hours from your local authority.

What happens if my circumstances change and I no longer meet the eligibility criteria?

If your income drops below the minimum threshold or rises above £100,000, or if you stop working, you may lose your eligibility. There's usually a grace period before funding is withdrawn, which gives families time to make alternative arrangements. The length of that grace period depends on when in the year your circumstances change.

Can I use the 30 hours for a nanny or au pair?

No - the funded hours can only be used with Ofsted-registered providers. Nannies and au pairs working in the family home fall outside the scope of the scheme. The funded hours apply to settings like nurseries, pre-schools and registered childminders.

Does the 30-hour scheme apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

No - the 30 hours free childcare scheme applies to England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own funded childcare programmes with different eligibility rules, hours and age ranges.