More parents are finally free childcare options - see how to apply for yours

More eligible working parents in England can now apply for government funded .

often struggle to return to work due to the availability - or cost - of quality childcare. However, the government has this week increased its funded childcare scheme and so mothers and fathers across England can now explore new opportunities to get back to work or do more hours in their profession.

The scheme, the Department for Education says, also gives young children the chance to build confidence, learn social skills, and prepare for school. The here outlines what the changes mean for you and how you can apply for a space at nursery, or a childminder setting for your little one.

From September, parents working at least 16 hours a week may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare, for their children aged at least nine months on or before August 31. Places are funded from the term after your child turns nine months old until they start reception. There is also a 15-hour scheme for families on certain benefits.

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The Department for Education says if you are not eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare, your child may be eligible for 15 hours instead. All parents of children aged three to four in England can access a universal offer of 15 hours of government funded early education from the term after their child turns three. It now doesn't matter how much you earn or how many hours you work.

Parents of two-year-olds can also access 15 hours a week of funded early education and childcare if they receive additional forms of support. This includes support like being on and earning less than £15,400 a year, or if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan, or has been looked after by a local authority. Places are funded from the term after a child turns two.

For all these schemes, the childcare provider must be approved – so informal providers such as grandparents don’t count. The funding covers up to 15 or 30 hours of early education and childcare a week for 38 weeks a year. You may be able to spread this funding over more than 38 weeks a year if you take fewer hours over more weeks. You should check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.

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Some providers may ask you to pay for extra costs, like meals, nappies or trips. Eligibility depends on whether you’re working, your income, your child’s age and circumstances and your immigration status. Full details about eligibility requirements can be found . There are different early education and childcare support schemes in , Wales and Northern Ireland.

To apply for 30 hours government funded childcare, you should sign into your account . You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. When you can get your hours from will depend on the date your child turns 9 months old.

If you want to get 30 hours from September 2025, then you will need to apply by 31 August. You should speak to your provider to confirm you can use your full 30 hours from September. You will need your Government Gateway user ID to login.