Fees & funding
Funded childcare and the 30 hours, explained
Who can get 15 or 30 funded hours in England, how to apply, the deadlines and what nurseries can still charge.
The short version
- Eligible working parents can get 30 hours a week from 9 months.
- Every 3 and 4-year-old in England can get 15 hours.
- Apply early, and confirm your details every 3 months.
What you can get in England
| Hours a week | Who for | |
|---|---|---|
| Working parents | 30 | Eligible parents, from 9 months until school |
| All 3 and 4-year-olds | 15 | Every child, with no income check |
| Some 2-year-olds | 15 | Families getting certain benefits or support |
Funded hours are for 38 weeks of the year. Some nurseries spread them across more weeks at fewer hours.
Who counts as a working parent
How to apply
- Apply on GOV.UKYou can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.
- Give your code to the nurseryIt's how they claim the hours for you.
- Confirm every 3 monthsIf you don't, your funding can stop.
- 31 Aug
- get your code for a 1 September start
- 31 Dec
- get your code for a 1 January start
- 31 Mar
- get your code for a 1 April start
Funded doesn't always mean free
Nurseries can charge for meals, nappies, trips or hours beyond your entitlement. Not every nursery offers every scheme, and funded places can be limited on popular days.
Ask them
- Which funded schemes do you accept?
- Do you have a place on my days from my start date?
- Can I have a written breakdown of my monthly bill?
Outside England
In Scotland, all 3 and 4-year-olds and eligible 2-year-olds can get up to 1,140 hours a year, arranged through your council. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes, so check your government's guidance.
Keep reading
Fees & funding, 4 min readHow to save money on childcareFunded hours, Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit and the questions that can bring your nursery bill down.
Choosing a nursery, 6 min readWhat to look for in a nurseryHow to compare nurseries before you visit, what to watch for when you're there, and the questions worth asking.
Choosing a nursery, 5 min readHow to read a nursery's Ofsted reportWhat Ofsted's grades mean, how report cards changed in November 2025 and what to look for in a nursery's report.