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

[Skylucy]

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.