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MNHQ

Funded childcare hours: Mumsnetters share their experiences

4 replies

LibbyMumsnet · 30/06/2025 15:19

From September, eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours childcare per week for children aged 9 months up to school age.

If you’re a parent who’s already using funded childcare - or planning to later this year - we’d love to hear from you.

Sharing your experience could make a big difference to another parent trying to figure it out.

Whether funded hours have helped (or will help) you return to work, take on more hours, or simply support your family life - let us know how it’s working for you.

We’re also keen to hear how your child is getting on - is childcare helping them settle into a routine, build confidence, or try new things?

Post your experience by 31st July 2025 and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a £100 VEX gift voucher (T&Cs apply).

Prize draw now closed - thanks to everyone who entered!

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MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 15/07/2025 09:32

Thanks so much to everyone who’s already posted. We’ve really appreciated hearing about your experiences so far. It’s clear that the upcoming expansion of funded hours will make a real difference for many of our users. A few things that have stood out to us. “Do your research and don't feel you have to get it right first time.” Wise words from @sharond101 - a good reminder that it can take time to find the right setting for your child.
@Twinnietwin £700 a month is a huge saving, and it’s brilliant to hear how it’s supporting both your working life and your children’s development.
We loved to hear that you’ve been inspired to retrain and your DCs are doing so well at nursery @ketchuporbrownsauce – it’s so encouraging to hear how funded childcare can open new doors.
Many of you have raised some important points too – from rising nursery fees that offset the funding (@Kentishbirdlife @Lost77 , @BouncingBananas ), to the difficulty of accessing support if you’re just over the income threshold (@MidnightPatrol, @HaveCreditWillShop ). We know it’s not one-size-fits-all and these discussions really help shine a light on what’s working and what still needs attention.

If you haven’t yet shared your story, we’d love to hear from you by 31 July. Whether it’s positive, frustrating, or somewhere in between, your experience could really help other parents navigating similar decisions. We know from the boards (and personal experience) that sending your child to nursery can be a really stressful and emotional time even aside from the expense. Your experiences and advice will be invaluable to parents starting out on this path. Thanks so much. 🙌

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 19/07/2025 11:29

Thanks, again, for continuing to share your experiences with us and other parents. We know that decisions around childcare can be some of the most complicated and personal ones parents face.

When we asked Mumsnet users what age their child started formal childcare (if they did), the range of responses reflected just how different every family’s journey can be:

20% started under 1
20% between 1 and 2
14% from 2 to 3
26% at age 3 or older
13% never used formal childcare
7% said they’re still not sure

Whether it was about going back to work, socialisation, finances, availability or just what felt right at the time, it's clear there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

What age did your child start nursery or formal childcare? And what shaped that decision? Whether it was childcare at 9 months or not until Reception, please share your experience below. It might be just the thing another parent needs to hear. Thank you.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 19/07/2025 15:12

We’ve been reading through all your posts this week and it’s clear just how much of a difference funded hours can make. For some, it’s made full-time work possible again. For others, it’s taken the edge off eye-watering childcare bills (even if they’re still pretty brutal.)

It’s been really striking to hear how people are managing things differently depending on their set-up, from juggling job shares and four-day weeks (@JacCharlton, @SammyTales ) to scaling up nursery days to help get back to work full time (@TheKatzKlaws, @NutmegsMum). And @newdad2023, it's great to hear about the boost in confidence and social skills your daughter’s had since going an extra day - we wish her and you the very best.

A few tips have come up repeatedly and we think it'd be useful to highlight them here in case you've missed them on the thread:

You can use funded hours and tax-free childcare together. Thanks v much @Lexibug and @NutmegsMum for flagging that, as it’s not always obvious.

Several posters (@Runningshorts, @Maraudingmarauders , @ThatBeachLyfe)made the point that while they help, costs are still high and planning around them (especially with more than one child) can be a major challenge.

The emotional side matters too. @Summergarden , your post was a lovely reminder that the benefits of nursery aren’t just practical.

If you haven’t posted yet, we’d absolutely love to hear from you before 31 July, whether your experience has been positive, frustrating, or a bit of both. As we said previously, your posts are helping others feel less alone in navigating the whole thing (and everyone who posts has the chance to win a £100 voucher).

Thanks again for sharing.

MNHQ

LibbyMumsnet · 04/08/2025 10:32

Thank you for sharing your experiences using the funded childcare hours!

🎉 Congratulations to @JacCharlton, the winner of our prize draw! 🎉

If you have any questions, don’t forget to check out our Q&A thread.

And a quick reminder: make sure you’ve applied and received your code for 30 hours of funded childcare by 31st August. You can find out more at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

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