30 Hours free childcare explained simply (and what parents are often not told)
If you are a parent trying to understand the 30 hours free childcare scheme, you are not alone.
Most people I speak to say the same thing: it sounds generous, but confusing. And when you finally think you understand it, something does not quite add up in real life.
This guide is here to explain the scheme clearly, without jargon, and to share the parts that many websites leave out. Not just what the rules are, but how the system actually works for families day to day.
What is the 30 hours free childcare scheme?
The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a government offer for working parents in England. It allows eligible families to receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, during term time, for each eligible child.
Originally, this only applied to 3 and 4 year olds. That is why many older articles online still talk only about preschool age children.
That has now changed.
From September 2025, eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare for children from 9 months old until they start school.
This is a major expansion and it makes a big difference to families with babies and toddlers, not just those approaching school age.
Am I eligible for free childcare?
You may be eligible if all of the following apply:
- You live in England
- Your child is aged between 9 months and school age
- You and your partner (if you have one) are working
- Each working parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage
- Neither parent earns more than £100,000 per year (adjusted net income)
You can be employed, self employed, or a mix of both.
There are also special rules if you are:
- On maternity, paternity, adoption or parental leave
- Unable to work due to disability
- A single parent household
These situations are often overlooked, but many parents still qualify.
How many hours do you actually get?
This is where expectations and reality can diverge.
The headline is 30 hours per week, but that is:
- For 38 weeks of the year (term time)
That equals 1,140 funded hours per year.
Some childcare providers allow you to stretch those hours across more weeks, for example 22 hours over 52 weeks. Others do not. This depends entirely on the provider, not the government.
So while the funding exists, how usable it is depends heavily on what is available locally.
A perspective many people miss: “Free” does not mean no cost
This is one of the biggest sources of frustration for parents.
The funding covers the childcare hours, but it does not always cover everything else.
You may still be charged for:
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies and wipes
- Special activities or trips
- Additional hours outside the funded entitlement
Some parents feel caught out by this because the phrase “free childcare” suggests zero cost. In reality, many families still pay something each month.
This is not necessarily wrongdoing by providers. Many nurseries rely on these additional charges to stay open. But it is important to understand this upfront.
How and when do you apply?
You apply through the government childcare account on GOV.UK.
Once approved, you receive a 30 hours eligibility code. This code must be given to your childcare provider.
Key timing point that often trips parents up:
- You must apply and receive your code before the deadline for the term you want to use it
- Funding does not start immediately when you apply
For example:
- Apply by 31 August to start in September
- Apply by 31 December to start in January
- Apply by 31 March to start in April
If you miss the deadline, you usually have to wait until the next term.
You MUST reconfirm every 3 months
This catches out a lot of families.
Every three months, you must reconfirm your details online. This includes income and employment status.
If you forget, the funding can stop.
Many parents set a reminder on their phone or calendar. It sounds small, but in busy family life it is easy to miss, and the consequences can be stressful.
What if your circumstances change?
Life is not static, especially with young children.
If you:
- Reduce hours temporarily
- Change jobs
- Become self employed
- Go on short term leave
You may still be covered by a grace period. This allows the funding to continue for a limited time while things settle.
This flexibility is real, but it is poorly explained well enough. Parents often assume one small change means instant loss of support, which is not always true.
How this fits with other childcare support
Another common point of confusion is how the 30 hours scheme interacts with other help.
Important things to know:
- You cannot use Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare support at the same time
- You can use 30 hours free childcare alongside either of them
- Which option is better depends on your income, childcare costs, and working hours
This is one of those areas where a quick calculator check can save you hundreds of pounds over the year.
The emotional side no one talks about
Most guides focus on rules and numbers. Few talk about how this feels.
For many parents, especially those returning to work after having a baby, childcare decisions are emotional. There can be guilt, anxiety, relief, and stress all at once.
The expansion to younger children is a big step forward, but it does not magically solve:
- Shortages of nursery places
- Long waiting lists
- Rigid opening hours
- The mental load of coordinating work and childcare
It is okay if the system feels helpful and frustrating at the same time. That is a very normal experience.
Practical tips from parents who have been through It
These are things parents often wish they had known earlier:
- Apply as early as you can, even if your child is not starting yet
- Speak to nurseries directly about how they apply the funding
- Ask for a written breakdown of any additional charges
- Set reminders for reconfirmation dates
- Keep screenshots or emails confirming eligibility
Small steps like these can prevent big headaches later.
Is the scheme worth it?
For most families, yes.
Even with limitations, the 30 hours free childcare scheme can reduce costs significantly and make returning to work more viable.
But it works best when parents understand:
- What it does cover
- What it does not cover
- How much depends on local availability
Clear expectations make a big difference.
Final thoughts
The expansion of the 30 hours free childcare scheme to children from 9 months old is one of the most meaningful childcare policy changes in recent years.
It helps, but it is not perfect.
If you are feeling confused, overwhelmed, or slightly sceptical, that does not mean you are missing something obvious. It means the system is genuinely complex.
Take it one step at a time, ask questions, and remember that many other parents are navigating the same learning curve.
You are not behind. You are just figuring it out.
You can check the most up to date eligibility rules and apply through the government’s childcare account on the official GOV.UK website. to get your 30 hours free childcare.
While childcare support helps with the practical side of working life, the time you spend with your child at home still matters just as much. Simple routines like reading together can support language, bonding and emotional security, and we have shared practical ideas in our guide to reading to kids that work even on busy days.
