Answers · UK 2025/26
How many free childcare hours can I get in England?
From April 2024, working parents in England get 15 free hours for 9-month-olds to 2-year-olds, expanding to 30 hours from September 2025 for all children 9 months to school age. All 3-4 year olds get 15 hours universal; working parents 30 hours.
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England's free childcare offer expanded significantly during 2024–2025. Rollout phases. April 2024: 15 free hours/week (38 weeks/year, equivalent to 11 hours/week year-round) for working parents of 2-year-olds. September 2024: 15 hours for working parents of 9-month to 2-year-olds. September 2025: 30 hours for working parents of 9-month to school-age children — the biggest expansion. Eligibility for the working parents element: each parent must earn at least £167/week (National Living Wage × 16h) and neither over £100,000 adjusted net income. Universal 15 hours: every 3 and 4-year-old in England regardless of parental income/work, from the term after the 3rd birthday. Apply via Childcare Service at gov.uk — codes are reconfirmed every 3 months. Scotland, Wales, NI have separate schemes (1140 hours/year in Scotland for 3-4 year olds; 30 hours for working parents of 3-4 in Wales; 22.5 hours for 3-4 in NI). Combines with Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare element to substantially reduce costs.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.