Ask us anything about funded childcare - eligibility, applying, and what to expect £100 voucher to be won!

[LibbyMumsnet]

From September, eligible working parents in England with children aged 9 months to school age will be able to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week - part of the government’s expanded childcare offer in England.

We know that for many parents, it’s not always straightforward. You might be wondering:
– Am I eligible?
– How do I apply – and what’s the deadline?
– What will funded hours actually look like in practice?
– How do I feel about sending my child to nursery or a childminder?

This Q&A is here to help. Whether you’re after clear, practical info about the funding or want a better sense of what formal childcare is really like, post your question below and we’ll do our best to get it answered.

No question is too small – if it’s on your mind, chances are it’s on someone else’s too.
We’ve brought together two brilliant experts to support this discussion:
👩‍💼 Sarah Walker, an experienced Early Years teacher, who can answer any questions about formal childcare
👩‍👧 Tina Williams, Head of Editorial at Mumsnet and a parent currently using funded hours, who’ll be sharing her real-life experience

They’ll be answering questions weekly throughout July and August in the lead-up to the 31st August application deadline.

💬 Ask your question below by 31st August and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 VEX gift voucher (T&C’s apply)

How easy is it going to be to find somewhere with places available?

Depends where in the country you are. If you're looking for a September start you need to contact places tomorrow!

Pretty much everywhere where I live is full, people were anticipating the 30 free hours I think. I managed to book in for three days in August 2024 for my child to start September 2025. I asked back in march whether I could add a 4th day but was told they were completely full all days.

Hi,
can you please tell me why working parents that haven’t got recourse to public funds aren’t eligible for this funding?
I understand the rationale with no recourse but it just doesn’t make sense.
I work with families for the local council and the amount of working parents, a lot of them working for the NHS, paying their taxes and contributing, cannot get any help with childcare until the age of 3 when they become eligible for the universal 15h offer.
Seems ridiculous.
many thanks

Wtf 😂

DO YOU HAVE TO BE WORKING TO APPLY

Yes its aimed at working parents

Why are working parents in Wales not valued the same as those in England?

I’m adopting a child, likely to get adoption order first week in August, and then wait for adoption certificate. I’m obviously eager not to lose out on the funded hours, but she starts nursery a month after that court date. Obviously child’s surname will change when adoption is finalised.
I’m thinking I should apply now anyway, under original surname, but I’m just anxious that not long after this her name will change, and this will cause hassle and time to change. Do you think this will likely cause a delay and hence pause in funded hours? I’m trying to work out whether to just apply now, or hold on until name changes. I want to minimise or ideally avoid missing out on funded time due to something beyond my control.

My partner is currently under consultation for redundancy and is likely to lose his job in August. This means we can’t currently renew our declaration as we can’t confirm he will be in work for 3 months. If he can’t get a new permanent job by then he will aim for an interim post or freelance but this might not mean a contract longer than 3 months. Can we renew if he has a shorter contract or how does it work for interim/freelance roles?

I am on a DfE funded bursary (tax-free) and my husband works full time- currently we cannot access funding as we’re not both paying tax. Will this still be the case with the new funding arrangements?

It’s very frustrating at the moment as I am not eligible for any student bursaries (doctorate) and am working for a Local Authority but because this is paid by bursary we are paying the full amount of nursery fees. This also keeps rising as the nursery needs to cover the shortfall between the funded hours and the actual cost.

@greenmarsupial lots of LAs are switching to employed roles for the final two years, could you ask your supervisor if they could change you from a bursary?

Unfortunately it’s not something the LA is planning to offer- it’s so frustrating that it’s possible in some areas and not others and a shame that I can’t just pay tax on the bursary to be able to qualify for childcare.

Does the tax free allowance cover wraparound care?

Does anyone know the answer to this please? Particularly about the tax free bonus validity. Thank you.

Your money isn't lost or forfeited, but the top up element is renewed every 3 months so you need to add money during that period to earn the top up. If you dont put any money in then the top up doesn't roll over to the next period, it just resets to £500 again.

"What ages of children are eligible for funded childcare?"

Not sure why you've put it in speech marks but children are eligible from the term after they turn 9 months until starting reception class.

Thank you for replying. I confess, I’m still not entirely sure what you mean. Please could you explain a little more? What resets to £500? Your balance? (Sorry!)

The amount of top up you receive from the government.

Do you use TFC yet? It's probably one of those systems that easier to understand when you use it. Because you're asking lots of questions that are very obvious once you're logged in and using it.

It’ll depend on the area but anecdotally the nursery I use prioritised those who aren’t eligible for the 30 hours funding. I assume this is because they can charge them more.

Are there any government benefits for grandparents looking after babies ?