FROM 9 MONTHS
Free childcare from 9 months
The working-parent offer extends to eligible children from the term after they turn 9 months old.
Free childcare application checklist
Get the four-page England eligibility and application guide by email.
Key facts
- From 1 September 2025, eligible working parents can receive 30 hours from 9 months to school age.
- Funded hours start the term after the child turns 9 months old.
- A child under 9 months receives 0 early-years funded hours under this rule.
Age bands at a glance
| Child’s age | Funded hours | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Under 9 months | 0 | Starts the term after 9 months |
| 9–35 months | 30 | Eligible working parents |
| 3–4 years | 15 or 30 | 15 universal; 30 if working-parent eligible |
| School age | 0 early-years hours | Scheme ends |
Frequently asked questions
Does funding start on the 9-month birthday?
No. It starts the term after the child turns 9 months old.
How many hours can an eligible baby receive?
30 hours per week for 38 weeks per year.
What if the earnings rules are not met?
This working-parent entitlement is 0; some 2-year-olds may qualify under separate support schemes.
When did the extension begin?
1 September 2025.
When does it end?
When the child starts school.
Related guides
30 hours · Eligibility · From 9 months · Universal 15 hours · Complete guide · £100k limit · 2-year-olds · 38 weeks · Single parents