Expansion to Free Early Education and Childcare 2024-2025
Introduction
The government announced an expansion to the existing early year’s entitlements which commenced in April 2024. This is called the 'Working Parent Entitlement’ and this expansion is being rolled out in stages.
From September 2025 eligible families will be able to access up to 30 hours per week of early education, from the term after their child turns 9 months old until they reach school age.
2 Year Olds
From April 2024, eligible working families are able to access 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year from the term after their child's 2nd birthday. This will increase to 30 hours from September 2025. To apply, please visit Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
9 - 23 Months
From September 2024, eligible working families will be able to access 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year from the term after their child turns 9 months old. This will increase to 30 hours from September 2025. Applications are now open, to apply, please visit Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Application Process
The application process will remain the same as the current 30 Hour offer for 3 and 4 year olds with HMRC determining eligibility.
Parents with an age eligible child can apply to HMRC for an eligibility code. To access the working parent entitlement from 1 September 2024, families must have been issued with a valid eligibility code and their child must have reached the eligible age on or before 31 August 2024 as detailed above. The eligibility code must then be given to the Childcare Provider before 31st August 2024 to enable them to check the code.
The Childcare Choices website brings together all of the existing childcare offers in one place, so parents can find the right offer for their family.
Visit the Childcare Choices website to check what offer you might be eligible for: Homepage | HMRC Childcare Choices