Upcoming changes to childcare support
15 and 30 hours childcare
The current offer
In England, all parents and carers of 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week childcare support with registered childcare providers. Eligible working parents and carers of children aged 3-4 can also get an additional 15 hours childcare support, bringing their total up to 30 hours a week.
Some eligible parents of 2-year-old children may also be entitled to 15 hours childcare support, if they receive some additional forms of government support.
Your hours can be used per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time). You may be able use your hours for up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit for Childcare whilst claiming your 15 or 30 hours of childcare support.
Check here to find the right offer for you and how to apply for 30 hours of childcare.
There are similar childcare support schemes in Scotland and Wales.