There are three possible deadlines when applying for free childcare funding for working families and that’s true whether you are applying for the ‘15 hours’ scheme for children aged 9 months to 2 years (inclusive), or the ‘30 hours’ scheme for children aged 3 and 4. And, with a child’s exact age affecting which term they can begin using the free childcare, correct timing of applications is crucial. If you apply too late, you won’t receive your childcare code in time for your child to start in the term you had envisaged. Applying too early is also not a viable option. Put simply, timing misjudgements could leave you and your child high and dry.
With all that in mind, today’s post outlines the application timing requirements for these key childcare funding schemes for working families. It also serves as a reminder that those who want their child to start childcare next term have very limited time left to apply — and receive that all-important childcare funding code.
Example
If you want your child to start in the January term next year, you need to apply in the preceding quarter, by 31 December at the absolute latest.
Which Childcare Funding is This?
So, we’re talking here about the newly-expanded childcare funding for eligible working families for children, living in England, aged from 9 months up to compulsory school age. (Follow the bold link to learn more about that, including eligibility rules). Using the scheme, eligible children can receive 570 hours of free childcare per year if they’re aged from 9 months up until they turn 3, or 1140 hours per annum if they’re aged 3 or 4. That usually equates to 15 and 30 hours per week respectively, over 38* term-time weeks of the year.
* Speak to your childcare provider if you’d like the total number of free childcare hours stretched out a different way as some can offer a degree of flexibility.
How Old Must My Child Be Before I Can Apply for the Funding?
A child’s age affects when applications for the childcare funding can be made and there are also minimum ages for the provision of the childcare itself.
- Once an eligible child reaches the age of 23 weeks (approximately 5.3 months), applications for the ‘15 hours’ childcare funding scheme can be made. The provision itself will not be available until they reach the age of at least 9 months.
- Once an eligible child reaches the age of 2 years and 36 weeks (a little over 2 years and 8 months) applications for the ‘30 hours’ childcare funding scheme can be made. The provision itself will not be available until they are at least 3.
In Which Term Can Children Start Using the Free Childcare?
Most children start using their free childcare hours at the beginning of one of the 3 terms (January, April and September). Which term they can start in depends on when their birthday falls during the year:
- Eligible children with a birthday between September and December inclusive can start from the January term. They should apply in the preceding term no later than 31 December.
- Eligible children with a birthday between January and March inclusive can start from the April term. They should apply in the preceding term no later than 31 March.
- Eligible children with a birthday between April and August inclusive can start from the September term. They should apply in the preceding term no later than 31 August.
Individual childcare settings will be able to confirm the exact term dates and funded starting dates for their particular setting.
Apply for Your Code
Begin your application for childcare funding and that all-important code here. The link will tell you what you will need including your National Insurance number, phone access and just a few other details. You’ll also need to access your Government Gateway account but can set one up from the same link if you don’t already have one. It’s quick and easy and you’ll usually find out whether you’re eligible right away, although occasionally it can take longer. If eligible and approved for the free childcare funding, you’ll be supplied with a code to give your childcare provider.
Important: Reconfirm Your Eligibility Every Quarter
It’s important to reconfirm your eligibility, via your government childcare account, every three months. That’s in order to ensure your code remains valid.
When Does the Free Childcare Funding End?
The free childcare hours for eligible working families come to an end when your child begins school in Reception class from the age of four or, if deferring until later, reaches compulsory school age at five.
Funded Childcare at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham
Little Cedars Day Nursery supports many government-funded childcare schemes, making for more affordable childcare in Streatham, Furzedown, Tooting and Balham. With the upgraded 15 and 30-hour schemes available to eligible working families, they can now access free childcare for children as young as just 9 months of age. Children benefit from a good early years education from a young age and parents get to more affordably rejoin the workplace to boost household income and careers. It’s a win-win!
Start your application to Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham, visit us with your child, or message us with any questions today:
As a ‘Good Provider’, Little Cedars Nursery offers a high-quality childcare service in Streatham and is also a great choice for families nearby in Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.
