What has changed in September 2025?

Since 2017, working parents of three and four year olds in England have been able to claim 30 hours of funded childcare a week during term time. The government then announced a phased expansion. In April 2024, two year olds were included. By September 2024, parents of children aged from nine months to two years could claim 15 hours. Now, as of September 2025, those same parents can access the full 30 hours if they meet the earnings criteria. It is the biggest shake-up of childcare in England for a generation.

Who is eligible for the 30 hours?

To qualify, you and your partner (if you have one) must both be working and each earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at minimum wage, but not more than £100,000 a year. This applies whether you are employed or self-employed. If one of you does not work because you are a full-time carer or receiving certain benefits, you may still qualify.

The childcare must be with a registered provider: nurseries, preschools, childminders, or certain out-of-school clubs. It does not cover informal care by relatives or friends.

How to apply for your code

You apply through the government’s Childcare Choices website. Once your application is approved, you will be given an 11-digit code. You then pass this code to your childcare provider, who will claim the funding from the local authority. The catch is that you need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months. Forget to do this, and you risk losing your place.

The hidden costs

Here’s the truth that often gets buried in the headlines: 30 free hours does not mean 30 free hours. Providers can, and usually do, charge for meals, nappies, trips, and extra sessions outside of funded hours. Some nurseries also spread the funding across the whole year, which reduces the daily number of hours. That means your “30 hours” may look closer to 22 once stretched over 51 weeks.

Ask your provider to break down exactly what is covered, and what is not, before you commit. Transparency varies a lot between settings.

Availability and waiting lists

The biggest problem in 2026 is not eligibility but access. Nurseries and childminders are struggling to recruit staff. Many are full, and waiting lists for under-threes are months long. The new funding has increased demand without solving the supply issue. If you know you will need a place, apply as early as possible. Contact multiple providers, not just your first choice. Some families are even putting names down during pregnancy to secure a spot.

What parents are saying

Sharing experiences is powerful. If you have a tip or a provider recommendation, post it in The Noticeboard for other parents to find.

If you are not eligible

Families who do not meet the income criteria are not left completely unsupported. All three and four year olds still receive 15 universal hours. Low-income families on certain benefits may qualify for 15 funded hours for two year olds. Tax-free childcare accounts and Universal Credit childcare costs are also available. The system is complicated, but there are layers of support beyond the 30 hours headline.

Tips to make it work for you

• Apply early. Do not wait until the month you need care – spaces fill fast.
• Ask about extras. Be clear on what is included in the funding and what will be billed separately.
• Consider childminders. They often have more flexibility and smaller groups than nurseries.
• Use a mix. Some families combine nursery with grandparents or flexible working to cover gaps.
• Share info. If you find a provider with spaces, let others in the community know.

The bottom line

The September 2025 childcare expansion is a lifeline for many families, but it is not a perfect fix. Funding rarely covers the real cost of care, staff shortages limit availability, and hidden charges add up. Still, for those who can access it, the 30 hours scheme can make a huge difference in balancing work and family life. The more parents share tips, swap provider recommendations, and hold settings accountable, the better the system will work for us all.