when does 15 hours free childcare start

Finding reliable childcare that fits your budget can feel overwhelming. If you're a working parent in England, you might be wondering when you can access the government's 15 hours free childcare and whether your child qualifies. The good news is that the scheme has expanded significantly, offering support for younger children than ever before.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about when 15 hours free childcare starts, who's eligible, and how to apply.

What is the 15 Hours Free Childcare Scheme?

The 15 hours free childcare provides 570 hours of government-funded childcare each year, typically taken as 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks. This is often scheduled during term time, though some nurseries let you stretch these hours across the full year if you prefer fewer hours each week.

The scheme helps working parents balance career and family without choosing one over the other. At Little Mowgli Nursery, we accept government funding for eligible families, making quality early years education more accessible to children in Leyland and surrounding areas.

The funding can be used at registered providers like nurseries, preschools, or childminders. Your child gets quality early education and care while you manage work commitments.

When Does 15 Hours Free Childcare Start for Different Age Groups?

The timing depends on your child's age and your family's circumstances. Here's what you need to know.

For Children Aged 9 Months to 2 Years

From 1 September 2024, eligible working parents can access 15 hours of government-funded early education for children aged 9 months and older. This was a major expansion that brought support to much younger children.

Your child can start using these hours from the term after they turn 9 months old. The three terms start on:

• 1 January
• 1 April
• 1 September

For example, if your baby turns 9 months in November, they would become eligible from the January term. If they turn 9 months in June, they'd qualify from the September term.

For 2-Year-Olds

There are two routes for 2-year-olds to access 15 hours free childcare:

Working Parents Route: From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours per week of government-funded childcare. Your child starts from the term after they turn two.

Income-Based Route: If your household receives certain benefits like Universal Credit with income under £15,400 annually, your 2-year-old may qualify regardless of your work status. This support has been available for several years and continues alongside the new working parent provision.

For 3 and 4-Year-Olds

All 3 and 4-year-olds in England can access 15 hours free childcare, regardless of whether parents work or their income level. This universal entitlement has been in place for years and remains unchanged.

Children become eligible from the start of the term after they turn three, with terms starting on 31 March, 31 August, or 31 December.

Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds can access an additional 15 hours, giving them 30 hours total per week.

Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for 15 Hours Free Childcare?

The requirements differ depending on which route you're applying through.

For Working Parents (9 Months to 4 Years)

You can usually get free childcare for working parents if you and your partner (if you have one) are working, earning the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage. Here are the specifics:

Income Requirements:

• Both parents must earn at least £8,670 per year (roughly £167 per week)
• Neither parent can earn over £100,000 adjusted net income per year
• Self-employed parents can use expected annual earnings

Work Status:

• You can be employed or self-employed
• You may still qualify if on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave
• Parents on certain benefits like Incapacity Benefit or Carer's Allowance may be eligible if their partner works

Other Requirements:

• You must have a National Insurance number
• Your child must usually live with you
• You need proof of identity (passport or UK birth certificate)

For Low-Income Families (2-Year-Olds Only)

Your 2-year-old may qualify if you receive:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Universal Credit with household income under £15,400 annually
• Child Tax Credit (with income under £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on

Children with special educational needs, those in care, or those who have been adopted may also qualify.

For All 3 and 4-Year-Olds

Every 3 and 4-year-old in England automatically qualifies for 15 hours, regardless of family income or work status. No application is needed from parents as your childcare provider handles this directly.

How to Apply for 15 Hours Free Childcare

The application process is straightforward but differs slightly depending on your situation.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit the Childcare Choices website (childcarechoices.gov.uk) and use their eligibility checker. You'll need information about your work, income, and your child's date of birth.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, have these details ready:

• Your National Insurance number (and your partner's, if applicable)
• Your child's birth certificate
• Details about your employment and income
• Unique Taxpayer Reference if you're self-employed

Step 3: Apply Online

You apply online on gov.uk once you have checked eligibility criteria, and you may find out if you're eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. Apply at least one term before you want to start using the hours.

Application Deadlines:

• For January start: Apply by 31 December
• For April start: Apply by 31 March
• For September start: Apply by 31 August

Step 4: Receive Your Code

Once approved, you'll get an 11-digit code sent to your online childcare account. This code proves your eligibility to your childcare provider.

Step 5: Share with Your Provider

Give your code to your chosen nursery along with your National Insurance number and child's date of birth. At Little Mowgli Nursery, our team will verify your code and allocate your funded place.

Step 6: Reconfirm Every Three Months

You must log into your childcare account every three months to confirm your circumstances haven't changed. You'll receive a reminder before your code expires.

When Can You Start Using Your 15 Free Hours?

Timing matters when planning childcare. Here's what to expect.

Starting Mid-Year

If you receive your code after the term has already started, you can typically begin using your hours from the following term. Some nurseries may accommodate mid-term starts, but this depends on availability.

Returning from Parental Leave

Parents returning to work have special considerations. If you return to work between 1 May and 30 September, you'll have to wait until 1 April to apply with a deadline of 31 August, and then start using your 15 funded hours from 1 September.

If you're returning from leave specifically for your youngest child, your eligibility date links to when you return to work. Taking annual leave after parental leave counts as having returned to work for eligibility purposes.

Planning Ahead

We recommend contacting your preferred nursery early to check availability. Popular settings like Little Mowgli Nursery can fill up quickly, especially for funded places.

Understanding the September 2025 Changes

September 2025 brings the final phase of the childcare expansion.

From September 2025, working parents of children under five will be entitled to 30 hours of government-funded childcare per week. This means eligible families with children aged 9 months and older can access double the support.

If you currently receive 15 hours for a child under three, you can automatically increase this to 30 hours from September 2025 if you remain eligible. You'll just need to reconfirm your details as usual.

The universal 15-hour entitlement for all 3 and 4-year-olds continues, so families who don't qualify for the working parent scheme still get support.

Can You Combine 15 Hours Free Childcare with Other Support?

Yes. Many families use multiple types of childcare support together.

Tax-Free Childcare

This scheme lets you save up to £2,000 per child annually (£4,000 for disabled children). For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2. You can use this for any childcare costs not covered by your free hours, including meals, extended hours, or holiday care.

The same application process checks eligibility for both free childcare and Tax-Free Childcare.

Universal Credit

If you receive Universal Credit, you can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs. This works separately from free childcare hours, so you can use both. You'll need to pay costs upfront and provide receipts.

Early Years Pupil Premium

Some children qualify for extra funding that nurseries can use to provide additional resources, equipment, and activities tailored to your child's needs. Check with your provider whether your child qualifies.

What Do the Free Hours Actually Cover?

Understanding what's included (and what isn't) helps avoid surprises.

What's Included

The 15 hours free childcare covers early education and care during regular nursery sessions. This includes learning activities, outdoor play, and general supervision.

At Little Mowgli Nursery, our funded hours include access to our nature-inspired learning environment, two dedicated rooms (Tigers and Giraffes), and our outdoor play area where children explore and develop at their own pace.

What May Cost Extra

Providers can charge separately for:

• Meals and snacks
• Nappies and wipes
• Additional hours beyond your funded allocation
• Optional extras like trips or special activities

These charges should be clearly itemised on your invoice. Nurseries cannot charge "top-up" fees (the difference between their standard rate and government funding), so make sure any additional charges relate to genuine extras.

Common Questions About Starting Free Childcare

Can I use my hours at multiple providers?

Yes. You can split your 15 hours between different registered childcare settings if needed. For example, you might use some hours at a nursery and some with a childminder.

What happens if I lose my job?

A grace period applies if your circumstances change. Your child can continue receiving the funded hours temporarily while you look for new work or update your situation. The length depends on when in the year you lose eligibility.

Can I stretch the hours across the full year?

Many providers, including Little Mowgli Nursery, allow you to spread your 570 annual hours across 52 weeks instead of 38. This means taking fewer hours per week but having year-round childcare. Discuss this with your chosen setting.

What if my nursery doesn't have funded places available?

Contact your local authority's Family Information Service. They can help you find alternative providers in your area offering funded places.

Do I need to reapply each year?

No. As long as you reconfirm your eligibility every three months and your circumstances remain the same, your code stays valid. You don't need to submit a full application again.

Tips for Making the Most of Your 15 Free Hours

Getting the most value from your funded childcare takes a bit of planning.

Apply Early

Don't wait until the last minute. Applying a term ahead gives you time to secure a place at your preferred nursery and sort out any application issues.

Visit Potential Nurseries

Before committing, visit nurseries to see the environment and meet staff. At Little Mowgli Nursery, we welcome parents to look around our Leyland setting and ask questions about how we deliver funded places.

Understand All Costs

Ask providers for a clear breakdown of what's included in funded hours and what costs extra. This prevents budget surprises later.

Keep Contact Details Updated

Make sure your childcare account has current phone numbers and email addresses so you receive reminders about reconfirming eligibility.

Combine with Other Support

Explore whether you qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit childcare support, or other schemes to maximize your support.

Finding Quality Childcare That Accepts Funding

Not all nurseries are the same. Look for providers that:

• Are registered with Ofsted
• Have positive inspection reports
• Offer a nurturing, stimulating environment
• Communicate clearly about fees and funding
• Align with your values around early education

Little Mowgli Nursery accepts children from 3 months old and welcomes funded children from 9 months onwards. Our community-focused approach in Leyland creates a home-from-home atmosphere where children thrive through play-based learning and outdoor exploration.

Next Steps: Starting Your Childcare Journey

Now you know when 15 hours free childcare starts and how to access it. Here's what to do next:

1. Check your eligibility using the online tool at childcarechoices.gov.uk
2. Apply at least one term before you need childcare to start
3. Research nurseries in your area that accept government funding
4. Contact your top choices to check availability
5. Visit settings in person before making your final decision

The 15 hours free childcare scheme opens doors for working parents, making quality early education accessible regardless of income. Whether your child is 9 months or 4 years old, understanding when and how to access these hours helps you plan ahead with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can I apply for 15 hours free childcare for my 9-month-old?

You can apply once your child reaches 23 weeks old, but they can only start using the hours from the term after they turn 9 months. Remember to apply by the deadline for your preferred start term: 31 December for January, 31 March for April, or 31 August for September starts.

Q: Do both parents need to work to qualify for 15 hours free childcare?

For children aged 9 months to 2 years, yes, both parents must work and meet income requirements (or the sole parent if you're a single-parent household). For 3 and 4-year-olds, all children qualify for 15 hours regardless of whether parents work, but working parents can access an additional 15 hours.

Q: Can I use 15 hours free childcare at any nursery?

Only at nurseries, preschools, or childminders registered with Ofsted or a registered childminder agency. Check that your chosen provider accepts government funding before applying, as not all settings offer funded places. Contact providers directly to confirm they have availability for funded children.

Q: What happens if my circumstances change after I've been approved?

You must update your childcare account within three months if your circumstances change. A grace period applies if you lose your job, allowing your child to continue receiving funded hours temporarily. If you regain eligibility during the grace period, you can continue receiving support without reapplying.

Q: How do 15 hours free childcare work during school holidays?

The standard 15 hours covers 38 weeks per year, typically during term time. Some nurseries allow you to stretch these hours across more weeks (potentially all 52 weeks), meaning fewer hours per week but year-round coverage. Discuss this flexibility with your provider to find what works best for your family.

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