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We encourage parents to secure a place with their chosen provider as early as possible, and apply for funding before the deadline. If your child will be using their hours from January, you will need to apply before 31 December.

You can find information about application deadlines and how to apply on the Best Start in Life website: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/15-and-30-hours-support/working-families/how-to-apply

30 hours childcare is for eligible working parents - you can check your eligibility on the Best Start in Life website: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/eligibility-checker

You will need to reconfirm your code every 3 months on your childcare account, and as long as you remain eligible you will receive your code.

Hiya @Dazedandconfusedma - yes, if you are on parental leave, like maternity leave, and want funded childcare for an older child, who is not the subject of the parental leave, you may still be able to claim funded childcare if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Hi @GooglieWooglyWooglyWooglyWoo. If your partner is starting work in September, provided you have applied before 31 August and been given a code, you will be able to start your funded place from 1 September.

Hello! Children who became eligible in January 2025 will be entitled to 2 terms (terms beginning January and April 2025) of 15 free hours a week and one term (beginning from September 2025) of 30 hours free hours a week. Hope that helps @Snoopandredbaron

Thanks so much for all your questions, I really hope we've been able to help. Best wishes with everything!
The Childcare Choices website has now become the Best Start in Life website. This brand new website will bring together information and support for parents - from childcare offers and eligibility, to information and support from pregnancy and throughout your child’s early years (and beyond). Visit the hub to find out more: www.beststartinlife.gov.uk