30 hours childcare code

[neonglow]

My 3yo starts nursery for the first time with week. We are entitled to the 30 free hours, however I stupidly didn’t realise you have to get a code online until going through the nursery application forms today.

I just applied online and got a code straight after.

However info on the gov website states you have to have got the code the month before term starts. Does this mean the code I just got won’t be able to be used until next January?

Thanks

Sadly, yes. You can call your local authority and beg but that didn't work for me.

You also have to renew it before the end of every term for the next term, which I didn't realise and ao then had one term paying back at 15 hours free.

Sorry that wasn't clear and was riddled with errors.

I didn't realise I had to renew the code and so the following term I lose the additional 15 hours free and just had the 15 that all 3 year olds are eligible for.

Thanks for responding

Ah I thought so :( just a shame, I had no idea until today! Was fully expecting him to be able to start his hours until going through the process earlier!

Does that mean the code I applied for and received today will be okay to use in January? Or will I have to renew it again or do anything?