Childcare hours

4 replies

mammabing · 31/07/2025 16:14

Apologies for posting here but I know it’s the board with the most traffic!
When DS started nursery we applied for the 15 free hours he was eligible for. He is now 2.5 and I am receiving emails telling me about the deadline for the 30 hours he’ll be eligible for from September. Does anyone know do I need to apply for this or is reconfirming enough for the 15 hours to automatically switch to 30?

OP posts:

DottieMoon · 31/07/2025 17:18

This is what UK Gov website says

What do I need to do if I’m already claiming 15 hours of funded childcare as a working parent?
If you’re already claiming 15 hours and you work at least 16 hours a week, you can keep reconfirming as normal and if you’re still eligible, it will automatically be updated to 30 hours.

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/05/how-to-apply-for-30-hours-free-childcare-and-find-out-if-youre-eligible/#:~:text=If%20you're%20already%20claiming,be%20updated%20to%2030%20hours.

How to apply for 30 hours free childcare and find out if you’re eligible – The Education Hub

The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures all you need to know about the education system. You’ll find accessible, straightforward information on popular topics, Q&As, interviews, case studies,...

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/05/how-to-apply-for-30-hours-free-childcare-and-find-out-if-youre-eligible#:~:text=If%20you're%20already%20claiming,be%20updated%20to%2030%20hours.

LevBee13 · 01/08/2025 08:43

Your code will transfer over but you may well need to complete some forms etc. with your nursery/county council.

Mh67 · 01/08/2025 09:04

If he is only doing the 15 hours check nursery has space to increase to 30

CoffeeAndChoccies · 01/08/2025 10:06

Your code will stay the same. It’s unique to your child and will automatically update to the hours they’re now eligible for (eg.30). You will likely have to fill out forms for your nursery or preschool providing them with the code, same as I imagine you’ve been doing for the 15 hours.

I had to ask our preschool about the code as I had the one for his 15 hours, but DS turned 3 in May and gets the 30 hours from Sept. The preschool had a deadline for submitting the forms and code for his 30 hours as a week before my reconfirmation window opened for the code (which I was worried would change as he’s now eligible for the 30 hours and wasn’t last time I reconfirmed). They said the code stays the same as long as I keep it active by reconfirming and will just carry over for the 30 hours.

Flip