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Original poster

Free hours when child turns 3...for everyone?

8 replies

Skylucy · 13/10/2018 08:59

I was chatting to some NCT pals and mentioned the 15 hours of subsidised childcare I'll be entitled to when my DD turns 3 (she's 20 months now). They said I'd only be entitled to this is if I'm working. Is that the case? I thought it was a universal scheme (I'm unlikely to be working as I'm due to have a second child. DH works full-time though).

I felt a bit embarrassed that I'd misunderstood our entitlements, but can't find any information about required working hours on the Gov.UK site.

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SpottingTheZebras · 13/10/2018 09:10

Not all childcare settings offer it though and your child might need to go down on a waiting list, so it is worth looking around for it now.

Original poster
Skylucy · 13/10/2018 09:07

Brilliant, thanks everyone. Yes, we wouldn't be entitled to the full 30 hours - perhaps they thought I was referring to the 'extra' 15.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/10/2018 09:05

Everyone is entitled to 15 hours from the term after they are 3. An extra 15 hours (to make up to 30 hours) are available for eligible children.

80sMum · 13/10/2018 09:03

The 15 hours are for everyone. It's the additional 15 hours, that top it up to 30 hours, that have eligibility criteria.

Strippervicar · 13/10/2018 09:03

15 hours if you aren't working, 30 if you are both working 16 or more hours.

Not sure about the threshold for 2 year old funding. You get 15 hours at 2 if one of you is working on a lower income.

Think you were right.

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 13/10/2018 09:02

Afaik the NEF for 15 hours is for all children the term after their 3rd birthday & it's only the additional 15 hours (making 30 in total) that's only for those who work. I'm a SAHM & my DH works fulltime & we've always received the 15 hours. Unless it's changing.

SputnikBear · 13/10/2018 09:01

As far as I know all 3-4 year olds get the 15 hours regardless of whether you’re working.

LittleBearPad · 13/10/2018 09:00

You are entitled to 15 hours regardless of working. But in a private nursery you’re likely to have to pay top-up fees. In the state sector the hours will be pretty specific

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