Access free childcare: a guide to funded nursery places
21 May 2026
The rules for government childcare benefits changed in September 2025, when some families became eligible for more funded hours. Families that used to be eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week, under the new rules, can now access 30 hours. I’ll explain how the system works, what’s changed, and how you can apply for government-funded childcare in 2025/26.
Contents
- How you can top up the hours, including with Tax-Free Childcare funding.
- When you need to apply to get your childcare code by the deadline.
- How you can use your childcare hours flexibly through the year.
- Where you can use your childcare hours.
- A step-by-step guide for how to apply for childcare funding.
If you live near Clapham Junction, Croydon, Holland Park, Elephant & Castle, Ladbroke Grove or Enfield, we have free nursery places available, and you can apply here.
The next deadline to get your childcare code is the 31 August. You need this code to secure your funding support starting 1 September. If you don’t get your code by this date, you need to wait until January.
Free childcare eligibility
Depending on the age of your child and your circumstances you can access different amounts of funded hours.
All entitlements apply over 38 weeks per year (approx 8 and a half months).
Every family
Every child has a universal entitlement.
Working family
There are a number of criteria to meet the government’s requirements, but the main ones are:
- Both parents in work or you’re a working single parent.
- Your earnings should be at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage (on average), but not exceed £100k annually, for each parent.
- You have a national insurance number.
- Check the full criteria to see if you’re eligible.
Families receiving additional government support
Applies to parents of 2 year olds only. See the full eligible criteria.
How many hours can I access?
3 and 4 year olds
Every child is eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.
Working families can get 30 hours of free childcare every week. This is an extra 15 hours on top of the Universal Entitlement.
2 year olds
Families receiving additional support can qualify for 15 hours of free childcare per week.
Working families can now access 30 hours of free childcare per week, following the changes in September 2025.
9 months to 2 year olds
Working families can now access 30 hours of free childcare per week, following the changes in September 2025.
How can I use my free childcare hours?
It depends on the childcare provider. At Ark Start, we help families use their free childcare hours in a way that suits them. You can choose to use your hours during the school term only or spread them out throughout the entire year. For example, instead of 15 hours a week for 38 weeks, you could choose to use 12 hours a week all year round.
Booking funded childcare hours at Ark Start
Can I top up my funded hours?
It depends on the childcare provider. At Ark Start, you can also buy more hours if you need to, but you do not have to. Ark Start is not profit-making. Our fees reflect the actual cost of providing childcare and early education.
Learn more about Ark Start fees
Using Tax-Free Childcare to top up your hours
Tax-Free childcare can be used in addition to funded hours. It aims to reduce the cost of childcare that you may otherwise pay for.
With Tax-Free childcare you can access up to £2,000 a year to spend on childcare. If your child is disabled, this goes up to £4,000 a year.
Tax free childcare is available for working families and families receiving government support. There are eligibility requirements and the amount you will receive will depend on your circumstances. To check if you are eligible and to apply, see the how to apply button below.
Where can I use my free childcare hours?
Funded childcare can be used at any ‘approved childcare’ provider:
- An accredited school
- A registered nursery, childminder, nanny, playscheme or club
- A home care worker employed by a recognized home care agency
Ark Start nursery in Ladbroke Grove
Ark Start nursery in South Acton
Ark Start nursery in Earl’s Court
Ark Start nursery in East Croydon
Ark Start nursery in Clapham Junction
Ark Start nursery in Elephant & Castle
Ark Start nursery in Holland Park
When can I start using my childcare hours?
The date you can start accessing free childcare depends on your child’s birthday. Childcare works in terms. There are three terms in a year starting in January, April and September.
| Child’s birthday | When you can start using the hours |
| 1 September to 31 December | January |
| 1 January to 31 March | April |
| 1 April to 31 August | September |
The exact date your free childcare starts will depend on your childcare provider.
When do I need to apply for funded childcare?
You need to have successfully applied before the next term starts. If you miss the deadline, you need to wait until the next term even if your child is eligible to have started.
You are able to apply 16 weeks (approx 3 and a half months) before your child’s birthday. It is encouraged to apply early to ensure your application is approved in time. The government suggests applying at least one month before the deadline.
How can you apply for funded childcare hours?
Step 1: (5 mins) Verify your eligibility: Check your free childcare eligibility.
Step 2: (20 mins) Obtain your code: Claim your 30-hour free childcare code.
You will need your:
- national insurance number,
- job details
- information on any government support you receive
- your child’s UK birth certificate reference number.
Step 3: Give your code to your childcare provider
Step 4: Every 3 months, you must confirm your details are up to date. You do this by signing in to your childcare account.
How can you apply for tax free childcare?
Click here for eligibility requirements and the link to apply.
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