Find out all you need to know about 30 Hours Childcare and nursery funding, from the early years experts.
Currently, all three and four-year-olds and some two-year-olds in the UK are entitled to funded childcare.
In England, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks a year). Those who have working parents are also entitled to an additional 15 hours (also known as 30 hours). Two-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time.
From April 2024, all two-year-olds of working parents will be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time. From September 2024, all children of working parents will be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time from the term after they are nine months old.
In Scotland, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare per year. Some two-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds are also eligible for funded ELC. There are also pilots taking place in some local authorities for all two-year-olds to access places.
In Wales, all eligible three and four-year-olds are entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare for 48 weeks. Some two-year-olds will be entitled to 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week as part of the Flying Start programme depending on where they live – this programme is slowly being expanded to include more areas.
See our 30 Hours Childcare and childcare funding support for parents and providers below.
Find childcare funding guidance
Get involved – together we are stronger!
Our shared voice is vital to influence change. You can get involved in lots of ways:
- Invite your local MP, MSP or MS and councillors to visit your nursery. Show them the good work you do and how you are affected by funding problems
- Talk to parents about the issue and encourage them to support you
- Speak out – join our media database – we are often asked for real-life case studies and for nurseries that journalists can speak to – email [email protected]
Keep up-to-date with communication from NDNA, such as the email bulletin, Nursery News, Twitter @NDNAtalk and Facebook. Join us to access a wealth of advice, support and help with free early education issues to keep you in the know.