England’s free childcare offer for working parents has expanded significantly in recent years, extending funded hours to much younger children in eligible working households. This guide explains how the scheme works in 2026/27, who qualifies, and how it works alongside Tax-Free Childcare.
How the Scheme Works
Eligible working parents in England can access a set number of funded childcare hours per week, term-time (or a lower number of hours stretched across all 52 weeks of the year), with the exact number of hours and the age at which a child becomes eligible having expanded significantly over recent years to cover children from a much younger age than the original offer.
The funded hours are provided through registered childcare providers — nurseries, childminders and some schools — and parents apply and confirm their eligibility online, receiving a code to give to their chosen provider.
Eligibility
Broadly, both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) generally need to be in work and expect to earn at least a minimum amount over the coming three months (roughly equivalent to working a set number of hours a week at the National Living Wage), while also each earning below an upper individual income cap.
Some exceptions apply for parents who are not working due to specific circumstances such as being on parental leave, sick leave, or receiving certain benefits, so it is worth checking the detailed eligibility rules rather than assuming that not currently working automatically excludes you.
Stretching Hours and Combining With Tax-Free Childcare
Many providers allow parents to "stretch" their term-time-only funded hours across all 52 weeks of the year at a lower weekly number of hours, which can suit families needing more consistent, year-round childcare rather than concentrated term-time hours alone.
Funded hours only cover a set number of hours — additional hours, meals, or other extras charged by the provider are not included, and these additional costs can potentially be paid using Tax-Free Childcare, letting the two schemes work together rather than being mutually exclusive like childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both parents need to be working to get free childcare hours?
Generally yes, in a two-parent household both parents typically need to meet the minimum earnings test and stay below the upper income limit, though some specific exceptions apply where a parent is not working due to circumstances such as parental leave or certain benefits.
Can I stretch my funded hours over the whole year instead of just term time?
Many providers offer this option, letting you take fewer hours each week but spread across all 52 weeks of the year rather than concentrated only in term time, which can suit families who need more consistent year-round childcare arrangements.
Do free childcare hours cover meals and extra activities?
No — the funded hours cover a set number of hours of childcare itself, but providers can still charge separately for meals, nappies, trips and other extras, which are not included within the free entitlement and must be paid for separately.
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Can I use Tax-Free Childcare alongside my free childcare hours?
Yes — unlike the closed childcare voucher scheme, Tax-Free Childcare can generally be used alongside funded free hours, for example to cover the cost of hours beyond your free entitlement or extras the provider charges for.
What happens if my income changes during the year?
You need to reconfirm your eligibility periodically, and if your income moves outside the qualifying range (too low or above the upper cap), your funded hours entitlement can be affected, so it is worth checking and updating your details when your circumstances change.
Is the free childcare hours scheme the same across the whole UK?
No — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own separate childcare offers with different rules and hours from the England scheme, so check the specific scheme that applies where you live rather than assuming the same rules apply UK-wide.
At what age can my child start getting free childcare hours?
Eligible working families can access funded hours from when their child is around nine months old, with the entitlement continuing through to when the child starts school, though the exact number of hours can vary by age band.
How do I apply for free childcare hours and get my code?
You apply through the government childcare service online, confirming your and your partner’s working status and income, and if eligible you receive a code to give to your chosen registered childcare provider, which they use to verify your entitlement.
Can I use my free hours with more than one childcare provider?
Yes — you can typically split your funded hours across more than one registered provider, for example a childminder and a nursery, provided each provider is happy to accept a share of the entitlement and you manage the arrangements between them.
What if I am self-employed or a new business owner — do I still qualify?
Self-employed parents can generally qualify in the same way as employed parents, provided they expect to meet the minimum earnings test over the coming three months, and newly self-employed parents in their first year of trading are usually given some flexibility on this earnings test.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects UK rules as they generally apply in 2026/27. This guide is for general information only and is not professional advice. Consult a qualified adviser and refer to gov.uk for current official guidance before relying on any treatment.
