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Parenting

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Original poster

Tearing my hair our trying to work out free childcare hours! (2/3 yr old)

9 replies

croft85 · 06/12/2023 12:22

Hello,

I am hoping someone can clarify this for me as I feel like I have been trying to work it out for months and can't get any clear answers from the gov websites. I am pregnant and was made redundant just before (great timing!) and could really do with the 15 free hours.

My child is 2 and turning 3 on 6th April 2024 (during the Easter holidays) - if the 2 year funding wasn't coming into play I believe we wouldn't get the 3 year old funding until the September term (?) - however because of this new 2 year old funding, I am trying to work out if we are eligible under that and can hopefully have it from April 2024 when it comes into play...
Can anyone clarify please? I am third trimester and baby brain isn't helping!
(Don't earn over 100k)
Thanks so much.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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DuploTrain · 06/12/2023 12:28

I think that the new 15 hours for 2 year olds is for working families (both parents have to be in work) - see link. So I don’t think you would get it if you’re not employed.

The 15 hours for 3 and 4 year olds is for all children. But you wouldn’t get it till September. (my DS has an April birthday too, it’s rubbish).

https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/?utm_source=Search+&utm_medium=RSA&utm_campaign=CC&gclid=CjwKCAiA1MCrBhAoEiwAC2d64QC0X1yHpz24g0HjuJg2duIexCmaqJvVFJrQ7b8JjOB62VQz1gCn_hoCn6gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Childcare Choices from GOV.UK

All about Government help with childcare costs, including 15 to 30 hours free childcare, Tax-Free Childcare, tax credits, Universal Credit, vouchers and support while you study

https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/?utm_source=Search+&utm_medium=RSA&utm_campaign=CC&gclid=CjwKCAiA1MCrBhAoEiwAC2d64QC0X1yHpz24g0HjuJg2duIexCmaqJvVFJrQ7b8JjOB62VQz1gCn_hoCn6gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

DuploTrain · 06/12/2023 12:31

Although confusingly there seems to be a different 15 hours for 2 year olds if you’re on universal credit or job seekers allowance.

mrsnjw · 06/12/2023 13:03

You would need to be employed in order to receive 30 hours.

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climbershell · 06/12/2023 13:08

From April next year its free childcare for 2yr olds if both parents are working. I'd presume being on maternity leave counts as working, but not sure. I return to my business in March.

My oldest is 2 next week, so she'll get 15hr a week term time free from April. My youngest is now 7 months, so her free 15hrs won't kick in my the time she starts nursery in march, but will from September

Original poster

croft85 · 06/12/2023 18:15

Thank you for the replies. Looks like we won't get 15 hours til September as first thought, as I am about to have a baby and not working having been made redundant, so only my husband is currently working. Disappointing!

OP posts:

climbershell · 06/12/2023 19:35

croft85 · 06/12/2023 18:15

You're on maternity leave though, so are entitled (for the 3yr old). Otherwise, that's discrimination. If you don't have a job after 12 months maternity leave, then you'll no longer be entitled

IVFbeenverylucky · 06/12/2023 21:42

You get your entitlement for the nine months you are on SMP, but not for any additional time you have off.

climbershell · 06/12/2023 22:20

Yes, 9 months not 12, sorry my mistake

TeenagersAngst · 07/12/2023 12:25

Does a maternity leave status still apply even if you're not employed?

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