Government help with childcare is expanding. Read more about the changes in this section.
Early Years childcare support is expanding.
Eligible working families can now apply for 30 hours of childcare to use from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.
If you currently receive 15 hours for working families, just reconfirm as usual and the code will work for the 30 hours offer from September 2025, providing you remain eligible.
Funding for 300 new school-based nurseries has been confirmed, creating thousands of places for children across England from September 2025.
A school-based nursery operates out of an existing primary school, which can mean easier drop-offs and pick-ups for parents.
Some school-based nurseries will offer childcare for children aged 3 – 4 years old and others will cater for younger children. This will depend on the individual setting.
Childcare is expanding for primary school-aged children in England.
Wraparound childcare is before and after school childcare for primary school aged children. In September 2024, wraparound childcare started expanding which means parents can expect to see an increase in the number of places available across England.
The new free breakfast clubs scheme – initially in 750 schools as part of the first phase of a national rollout – can also help with childcare at the start of the school day at no extra costs. These are 30 minute sessions before school where children get a free breakfast so they to start every day ready to learn.
Families can use Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) to pay for before/after school and holiday childcare (including breakfast clubs, after school activities and holiday clubs).
HMRC has introduced a system change to allow parents to link their TFC accounts to their school's payment provider to pay for childcare. This is dependent on the parent, childcare provider and payment provider all being signed-up to TFC.
Parents can check with their payment provider and/or school whether this option is available to use. If their school or payment provider isn't signed-up yet, they can use the link below.