30 hours free childcare
What is 30 hours free early education and childcare for three and four year olds?
The government funds up to 1170 hours of free early education and childcare per year for 3 and 4 year olds from eligible working families.
All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early education and childcare a week from the term following their third birthday. The 30 hours entitlement extends the 15 universal hours to 30 hours a week if your child takes up the hours during term time, or you could choose to take fewer hours over more weeks in the year.
| Child's 3rd birthday is between: | When you can claim: |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | the beginning of Summer term on or after 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | the beginning of Autumn term on or after 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | the beginning of Spring term on or after 1 January |
Is my child eligible?
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) determine if a family is eligible. Parents must apply online to HMRC and if eligible will receive a 30 hour eligibility code. To check if you are eligible and make an application visit the government website 30 HOURS or contact them by phone the Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097.
Watch this video on how to apply for 30 hours childcare.
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
The table shows the dates to apply for a 30 hour eligibility code.
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
| When your child turns 3 | When they can get 30 hours from | Recommended time to apply |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 15 October to 30 November |
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 15 January to 28 February |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 15 June to 31 July |
Parents must apply and receive their code from the Childcare Service by the following dates.
- 31 August for a September start
- 31 December for a January start
- 31 March for an April start
Any code dated after these dates cannot be funded.
If you disagree with the eligibility decision you receive, or have issues with your code you must contact HM Revenue and Customs, who manage the process, on 0300 123 4097.
Children in foster care will be eligible for 30 hours if it is consistent with their care plan and foster parents are in paid work outside their role as a foster parent. Foster Carer should discuss it with their Social Worker who will make a referral to make an application.
Is it really free?
Yes, the 30 hours are free, and what's more it's worth £5,000 per year!
The early education and childcare setting claims the money from Bradford Council for these hours so you don’t have to pay for them. In some early education and childcare settings it is possible to pay for additional childcare if you need to, and some providers may have additional charges for consumables like food. It’s important that you discuss with the early education and childcare provider their charging policy.
Why would I want my child to go?
- Children develop quickly in their earliest years, and early education supports their development and overall wellbeing.
- Research shows that good quality early education and childcare from an early age makes a real difference to how well a child does in the future.
- Early years and childcare settings are wonderful places for your child to learn, develop new skills, make new friends and have fun.
- It will support you with your childcare costs whilst you work.
Watch some videos by working families who have benefited from using the 30 hours through these DfE YouTube videos.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Once you have a 30 hour code HMRC will ask you to reconfirm your application every 3 months. If you are no longer eligible or you do not reconfirm your code, then your eligibility code will expire. HMRC will give you a ‘grace period’ this means you will be able to keep your child in childcare for a short period of time.
Once the 'grace period' has lapsed you will no longer be able to access 30 hours, however your child will still be entitled to the universal 15 hours’ early education entitlement
Where can my child take up a place?
Places are available across the district at childminders, day nurseries, independent school nurseries, nursery schools, pre-schools, and some primary school nurseries.
How do I apply for 30 hours three and four year old place for my child?
To apply for a place, firstly apply to HMRC for your 30 hour eligibility code. Once you have received your eligibility code contact your early education and childcare provider. The early education and childcare provider will ask you to complete a parent agreement form, they will then check your child’s date of birth and your 30 hour code. The provider will then inform you when your child can start attending.
If you need to find an early education and childcare provider that can offer 30 hours use our childcare finder or phone 01274 437503.
If you need further information or support accessing a 30 hour three and four year old place, please contact us on childcare@bradford.gov.uk.