Free Childcare
30 hours free childcare
We offer 30 hours free childcare for working parents of three and four year olds in our Nursery on a daily basis 8.45am-3.15pm Contact School on 01257 262489 to apply for a place.
The 30 hours extended entitlement is double the 15 hours currently available for all three and four year olds. Eligible parents could use it as 30 hours during term time or spread the hours over the full year (1140 hours in total).
When to apply
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
When your child turns 3 | When they can get 30 hours from | Recommended time to apply |
---|---|---|
1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 15 October to 30 November |
1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 15 January to 28 February |
1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 15 June to 31 July |
You can apply outside of these recommended dates but you might not receive your code in time. You must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts.
Check with your childcare provider to find out the exact date your 30 hours free childcare starts.
You have to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months. If you apply more than 3 months before the term starts, you’ll have to reconfirm your eligibility in your account in order to keep your code valid.
Apply
You can apply through the Childcare Choices website. If you are eligible you'll get an 11 digit eligibility code to give to your childcare provider (you need this to access your free place).
Eligibility
Your eligibility depends on:
- if you are working
- your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
- your child’s age and circumstances
- your immigration status
You can get 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.
If you are working
You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
- in work
- on sick leave or annual leave
- on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
If you’re on adoption leave for a child aged 3 to 4 years old, you must return to work within 31 days of the date you first apply for 30 hours free childcare for that child.
If your working pattern has changed because of coronavirus (COVID-19)
You may still be eligible for 30 hours free childcare until 31 October 2020 if your working pattern has changed because of coronavirus. For example, if you’re not able to work, you’re on furlough or you’re working less.
If you are not currently working
You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.
You can apply if you’re starting or re-starting work within the next 31 days.