Government Childcare Funding: What’s Available for Your Child?
Funding can cover some or all of your child’s hours with us. Here is what is available, when it starts and how to apply.
If you are looking for 30 hours free childcare in Croydon, the short version is this. Our nursery accepts government funded hours for children from 9 months to 4 years old. Every 3 and 4 year old can get 15 funded hours a week. Working parents who meet the government’s rules can get 30. Some 2 year olds can get 15 too.
Funding rules are set by the government, so we have kept this page simple and linked to gov.uk for the detail. Not sure what applies to you? Call us and we will guide you.
What funding is available for your child’s age
9 months to under 2 years
30 hours a week, for working parents who meet the government’s rules.
2 year olds
15 hours a week, but not for every child. You may qualify if you get certain benefits (for example Universal Credit on a low household income), or your child has an EHC plan, gets Disability Living Allowance or is in care. Check the full list on gov.uk.
30 hours a week for working parents who meet the government’s rules.
3 and 4 year olds
15 hours a week for every child.
30 hours a week for working parents who meet the government’s rules.
Funded hours run over 38 weeks of the year. If you would like to stretch them across 51 weeks, speak to our nursery manager. Funding is never guaranteed. It depends on meeting the government’s rules and on us having a place.
At our nursery, 15 funded hours is 3 morning sessions, 3 afternoon sessions, or a mix of the two. 30 funded hours is 3 full days. You can see the session times on our fees and session times page.
When does funding start?
Funding starts from the term after your child reaches the qualifying age. The qualifying age is 9 months for the 30 hours, 2 for 2 year old funding, and 3 for the 15 hours for every child.
| Your child turns 9 months between | Funding starts | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September and 31 December | 1 January | 31 December |
| 1 January and 31 March | 1 April | 31 March |
| 1 April and 31 August | 1 September | 31 August |
| Your child turns 2 or 3 between | Funding starts |
|---|---|
| 1 September and 31 December | 1 January |
| 1 January and 31 March | 1 April |
| 1 April and 31 August | 1 September |
You can apply for the 30 hours from when your child is 23 weeks old. Apply early, so funding is in place before your child’s start date. The dates above are the government’s, so check the latest on gov.uk.
How to apply
Not sure what you could get?
Try the government’s Childcare Checker on Best Start in Life.
For the 30 hours (working parents)
Set up a childcare account on gov.uk. If you are approved, you get an 11-digit code to give to us. You will need to reconfirm your details in your account every 3 months, so keep an eye out for the reminder.
For 2 year old funding
Apply through the early years team or Family Information Service at your local council. Call us and we will tell you what to do next.
For the 15 hours for 3 and 4 year olds
There is no separate government application. Speak to us, or your local council, and we will help you get it set up.
What you will need
- Your 11-digit code, if you are applying for the 30 hours
- Your National Insurance number
- Your date of birth
- Your child’s date of birth
Not sure which funding applies to you? Call us on 0203 362 0358 and we will guide you.
Common questions about childcare funding
Do I need to be working to get funding?
Not for everything. Every 3 and 4 year old can get 15 funded hours a week. The 30 hours are for working parents who meet the government’s rules. Some 2 year olds can get 15 hours if you get certain benefits or your child has additional needs or circumstances.
What counts as working?
Each parent needs to expect to earn at least £2,643.68 over the next 3 months (less if under 21 or an apprentice), and neither parent can have an adjusted net income over £100,000. Sick leave, annual leave and parental leave count as working. These figures change, so check the latest on gov.uk.
Can I use funded hours across the whole year?
Funded hours run over 38 weeks of the year. By arrangement with our nursery manager, you can stretch them across 51 weeks, which means fewer hours each week.
What about hours beyond my funded hours?
Funded hours cover your child’s time with us, up to the hours you qualify for. Any extra hours, and other charges, are on our fees and session times page. If you would like to talk it through, call us.
How early should I apply?
As early as you can, so funding is in place before your child’s start date. You can apply for the 30 hours from when your child is 23 weeks old. The apply-by dates are 31 August, 31 December and 31 March, for a start in September, January or April.
Which code do I need?
For the 30 hours, you will need the 11-digit code from your gov.uk childcare account. There is no code for the 15 hours for 3 and 4 year olds. For 2 year old funding, apply through your local council and call us if you are not sure what to do.
Is funding guaranteed?
No. It depends on meeting the government’s rules and on us having a place. The sooner you get in touch, the easier it is to line funding up with your child’s start date.
Ready to talk?
The sooner you get in touch, the easier it is to line funding up with your child’s start date. Tell us your child’s age and when you would like to start, and we will talk you through it.
Funding rules are set by the government and can change. Information correct as of November 2026. Check gov.uk and Best Start in Life for the latest.