30 hours free childcare on maternity leave

[Jazz111]

Hi, I am currently on maternity leave and need advice. If my son is starting nursery 3rd February 26 , do I need to be back in work before the end of January to be eligible for the 30 free hours childcare funding? Or could I go back to work in February as planned and still be eligible.
thank you

You can only start the funding on 3 dates- 1st Jan, 1st April, 1st September.

He can start 3rd Feb but would not get the free hours funding until 1st April because if you aren’t back to work until February you cannot get your code for January.

You need to be back at work no later than 31st January but you can use annual leave to cover it.