Big News for Parents of 2 Year-Olds: 30 Hours Funded Childcare from September 2025!

What Is the 30 Hours Funded Childcare?

Currently, working families of 3 and 4 year-olds can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks a year (term time).

From September 2025, this same support will be extended to eligible working parents of 2 year olds.

That means you could receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week to use at a setting like us, Downside Preschool!, helping with the cost of childcare and giving your child a fantastic early learning experience.

What Is Changing?

Currently, many working families of 2 year olds can claim 15 hours of funded childcare each week. Starting September 2025, that entitlement will double to 30 hours per week, for up to 38 weeks of the year. This means more high quality early education and significant savings at a critical time in your child’s development.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for funded childcare for working parents, you (and your partner if you have one and if they live with you) must have a National Insurance number.

Here’s how it works:

For two-parent families:
 Both parents need to be in work and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at minimum wage. Neither of you can earn more than £100,000 a year individually.

For single-parent families:
 The working parent must meet the same income requirement on their own, so 16 hours at minimum wage or more, and below £100,000 a year.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes! You may still be eligible even if one parent isn’t currently working, as long as:

• They are on maternity, paternity, adoption, or parental leave
• They are temporarily unable to work due to illness or another short-term situation
• They receive specific disability or carer’s benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance

Just keep in mind: if you’re studying or training without a paid job that meets the income threshold, you won’t usually qualify unless it’s combined with paid work.

If you are ever unsure whether your family qualifies, go to  Childcare Choices website

How to apply

To obtain a 30 hours childcare eligibility code, parents in England need to apply through the Childcare Service on GOV.UK. If eligible, an 11 digit code (usually starting with 50) will be provided, which needs to be given to the chosen childcare provider. The provider will then validate the code to confirm eligibility for the 30 hours. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Check Eligibility:

First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for 30 hours childcare, which includes being a working parent (or self-employed) and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the national living wage. There are also specific rules for those not working due to statutory sick pay, parental leave, or caring responsibilities.

2. Apply Online:

Navigate to the Childcare Service on GOV.UK and complete the online application form.

What you need to apply

You will need your (and your partner’s, if you have one):

• National Insurance number
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you are self-employed (if you have a UTR)

You will also need:

• the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) of any children you are applying for
• the date you started or are due to start work (this can be approximate if it’s more than 3 months ago)

Obtain the Code:

If your application is successful, you will receive an 11 digit eligibility code (often starting with 50).

Share with Provider:

Provide this code to us, Downside Pre-School, your chosen registered childcare provider, who will use it to validate your eligibility.

Reconfirm Every 3 Months:

HMRC will remind you to reconfirm your eligibility every three months. You will need to do this through your online childcare account. We also send out reminders to parents.

How This Helps Your Family

Expanding the entitlement to 30 hours for 2 year olds delivers multiple benefits:

• Lower childcare costs potentially saving thousands each year.
• Greater flexibility for parents returning to or continuing work.
• Consistent, quality early education in a nurturing setting.
• Better school readiness, thanks to play based learning and social opportunities.

At Downside Preschool, we see every day how extra time with caring educators helps children build confidence, communication skills, and friendships.

What This Means for Downside Preschool

• From September 2025, eligible 2 year olds can attend for up to 30 hours/week under the funded scheme.
• We will continue to offer flexible sessions, experienced staff, and a play based curriculum designed to support every child’s growth.

Want to Know More?

If you have any questions or want to chat about how this might work for your family, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are here to support you through every step.

Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to explore more, or feel free to speak to a member of our team.

We can’t wait to welcome even more little learners to Downside Preschool in September 2025!