How to Apply for Free Childcare Hours in the UK
Understanding childcare funding in 2026 can feel overwhelming, especially with the different schemes available depending on your child’s age and your family’s circumstances. The good news is that most families in England are entitled to a level of government-funded childcare, helping to reduce nursery costs while giving children access to high-quality early years education.
Our 4Kidz Childcare team has put together this helpful guide to explain how to apply for free childcare hours, who is eligible, how the application process works, and how funding is used at 4Kidz Childcare in Welwyn Garden City.
What Free Childcare Hours Are Available?
Parents in England may be eligible for government-funded childcare depending on their child’s age and family circumstances.
From 9 months to school age (working families)
Eligible working parents can receive 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (or the equivalent spread across more weeks if offered by the provider).
Age 2
Some 2-year-olds from families receiving certain benefits or extra support can access 15 funded hours per week. Eligible working families may instead qualify for the 30-hour entitlement.
Ages 3 & 4
All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 funded hours per week, regardless of their parents’ employment status. Eligible working parents can receive 30 funded hours per week.
Things to remember:
- Funded hours must be used with an approved childcare provider.
- Nurseries may charge for extras such as meals, nappies, trips, or additional hours beyond the funded entitlement.
For parents who aren’t sure what they’re eligible for, the government’s childcare checker can help determine available support based on their circumstances.
Who Is Eligible for Free Childcare Hours?
Your childcare funding eligibility depends on several factors, including:
Your child's age and circumstances
If your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old, you can get 30 hours per week of free childcare for 38 weeks of the year.
Whether you're employed, self-employed or a company director
You can usually get Free Childcare for Working Parents if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
- in work or starting a new job
- on sick leave or annual leave
- on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- getting Statutory Neonatal Care Pay
- on Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave
Your household income (including your partner's, if applicable)
When applying, you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn above the required minimum over the next 3 months. The amount you’ll need to earn depends on your age. Income is calculated before tax.
Your immigration status
The person who applies must also have at least one of the following:
- British or Irish citizenship
- settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied, and you’re waiting for a decision
- permission to access public funds; your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this
You won't be eligible if:
- Your child doesn’t usually live with you, or
- You or your partner expect an adjusted net income of more than £100,000 during the current tax year (including foreign income).
For more information about the eligibility criteria, visit GOV.UK – Free Childcare for Working Parents
How to Apply for Free Childcare Hours
Step 1
Create or sign into your Government Childcare Account.
Step 2
Complete the online eligibility application.
Step 3
Receive your eligibility code.
Step 4
Give your code to your nursery.
Step 5
Remember to reconfirm your eligibility every three months (where applicable).
We recommend applying for your childcare funding before the relevant government deadline to avoid delays and ensure your funding is in place for your child’s start date. Know more about the application process here.
Check with your childcare provider to find out the exact date your free childcare starts. Read more here.
How Free Childcare Funding Works at 4Kidz Childcare
At 4Kidz Childcare, we stretch funded childcare hours across the 51 weeks our nursery is open, helping families enjoy year-round childcare with consistent monthly fees.
This means:
- 15 funded hours = approximately 11 hours per week
- 30 funded hours = approximately 22 hours per week
Our friendly team is always happy to guide you through the process. Whether you need help understanding your eligibility, applying for funding, or completing the required paperwork, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Common Questions About Free Childcare Funding
Can I use Tax-Free Childcare alongside funded hours?
Yes. If you’re eligible, you can use Tax-Free Childcare alongside your funded childcare hours to help cover the cost of any additional hours, meals, or other eligible childcare expenses that aren’t included in your funded entitlement.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Parents receiving working family funding usually need to reconfirm eligibility every three months.
What happens if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, update your details as soon as possible. If you’re receiving Free Childcare for Working Parents or Tax-Free Childcare, you’ll also need to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months to continue receiving support.
Can I combine funded hours with additional nursery sessions?
Yes, you can use your funded hours alongside additional nursery sessions, subject to availability.
Applying Early Makes Life Easier
More time to gather documents
Avoid last-minute paperwork by preparing everything you need in advance.
Funding starts on time
Help ensure your funded hours are in place for your child’s start date.
Easier nursery planning
Plan your child’s attendance with confidence.
Better chance of securing preferred sessions
Early applications offer more flexibility when choosing sessions.
Less stress before your child starts nursery
Get everything organised ahead of your little one’s first day.
Estimate Your Nursery Fees
Our Nursery Fees & Funding Calculator gives you an estimated cost in under a minute.
Simply enter your child’s age, preferred sessions, and any eligible government childcare funding to receive an estimated monthly fee.
Need Help Applying? We're Here to Help
Whether you have questions about your eligibility, need help completing your application, or want to understand how funding works at 4Kidz Childcare, contact us and speak with our team about your childcare funding options.
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