Do I get free childcare for my 2-3yr old while on maternity leave with 2nd baby?

[daddycatt]

2nd baby is due September.
First baby is now 2yrs old but born in April so unfortunately we have to wait until September to get free childcare.
But do I still get the free childcare for first baby while on maternity leave for the 2nd baby? I will get 6 months full pay and 6 morns statutory.

Gov website seems to say 2 different things...

If you’re working
You can usually get free childcare for working parents if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

in work or starting a new job
on sick leave or annual leave
on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
(above section implies I do get it?)

If you start a new job or are on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
The date you start a new job or return to work will affect when you can get free childcare.

Date of starting or returning to work When you can get your hours from
1 May to 30 September Term starting on or after 1 September
(I would return to work September 2025.. So first baby doesn't get free childcare until he is age 3.5... On 1 September 2025?)

Thanks

yes you do. I’m on mat leave and still eligible for the 15 hours free for my eldest who just turned 3. On one of the childcare choices websites it says:

‘You can still apply for Tax-Free childcare and 30 hours free childcare if you're: On paid sick leave. On paid ordinary or additional maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or getting Maternity Allowance, for another child.’

its the ‘for another child’ but that matters I think