What Are the 15 and 30 Hours Free Childcare Schemes?

Overview of Government-Funded Childcare

In the UK, families with young children can receive government-funded childcare support to help manage the rising cost of early education. The 15 or 30 hours free childcare schemes are designed to give children access to quality early years education while supporting working parents and carers.

These hours are part of the Early Years Entitlement Funding provided through local authorities and can be used at registered childcare providers like nurseries, childminders, or preschool settings, including bilingual programs like ours at Hatching Dragons.

Why the Hours Differ and Who They’re For

The 15 hours free childcare is available to all 3- and 4-year-olds in England, regardless of household income. Some 2-year-olds may also qualify based on specific criteria (e.g., income-based benefits or education, care status).

The 30 hours free childcare is available to eligible working families and offers double the support, making it ideal for parents balancing childcare with work or study.

In short: 15 hours is a universal offer, while 30 hours is based on income and work status.

Eligibility for Early Years Funding

Criteria for 15 Hours vs. 30 Hours

Here’s how eligibility breaks down for each scheme:

Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours based on income or circumstances. You can check eligibility on the Gov.uk childcare calculator →

How Household Income Affects This

You must meet the income requirements at the time of applying and reconfirm your eligibility every three months. If your income changes during the year, your eligibility for 30 free hours may be affected, but there’s often a grace period to give you time to adjust.

How to Apply for Free Childcare

Application Steps and When to Apply

To apply for 15 or 30 hours free childcare, you’ll need to set up a Government Childcare Account. This is the same portal used to access Tax-Free Childcare, so you can manage both in one place.

Steps:

1. Visit gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare 
2. Create or sign in to your Childcare Account
3. Submit your application
4. Receive an 11-digit eligibility code (for 30 hours)
5. Give the code to your childcare provider before the deadline

Apply the term before you want the funding to start. For example, to start in September, apply by the end of August.

Important Documents and Deadlines

You’ll need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Details of income and employment
• A working email address

Deadlines:

• 31 March for funding to start in Summer term
• 31 August for Autumn term
• 31 December for Spring term

At Hatching Dragons, we help families complete the process and ensure codes are validated in time, Contact us for support.

How to Switch from 15 to 30 Hours

When and How You Can Change

If your circumstances have changed and you’re now eligible for 30 hours, you can switch at the start of the next term. You’ll need to:

• Apply via the Childcare Account
• Receive and validate your eligibility code
• Inform your provider before the deadline for the term

What to Expect During the Transition

The switch is usually smooth, especially if your child is already enrolled in a nursery. The provider will adjust the number of funded hours allocated to your child. If you’re switching to Hatching Dragons, we’ll help guide you through this transition with full transparency on funding allocation, hours, and fees.

Key Differences Between 15 and 30 Hours

Practical Impact on Weekly Schedules

The most noticeable difference between 15 and 30 free childcare hours is the amount of time your child can attend nursery for free each week.

The 30-hour scheme allows for much more flexible planning, especially for working parents managing careers, school runs, and daily routines.

How Providers Deliver These Funded Hours

While the government funds the hours, it’s important to note that each childcare provider may deliver them differently. Some may:

• Offer stretched funding (i.e. fewer hours per week, but over the full year)
• Require a minimum number of sessions
• Charge for extras (meals, extracurriculars, extended hours)

At Hatching Dragons, we provide transparent breakdowns of how funded hours are applied and work with families to build schedules that meet their needs.

What Is Early Years Funding and How Does It Work?

Breakdown of Early Years Funding Types

Early Years Funding includes:

• 15 hours universal entitlement for all 3- and 4-year-olds
• 30 hours extended entitlement for eligible working families
• Two-year-old funding for low-income or qualifying families
• Tax-Free Childcare (up to £2,000/year per child)
• SEND support through Disability Access Fund and Inclusion Funding

This funding aims to provide high-quality early education that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and development.

The Role of Local Councils and Funding Cycles

Local councils distribute early years funding to registered providers like Hatching Dragons. Councils:

• Set hourly funding rates
• Approve provider contracts
• Audit how hours are applied
• Reconfirm eligibility each term

We maintain full compliance with council requirements and keep parents updated on how local funding cycles may impact term dates or availability.

Tax-Free Childcare and Other Support Options

How Tax-Free Childcare Works Alongside Free Hours

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme where for every £8 you pay into your online childcare account, the government adds £2, up to £500 every 3 months.

Yes, you can use this alongside the 15 or 30 hours free childcare. It can help cover:

• Additional hours not funded
• Meals or enrichment activities
• Holiday clubs or wraparound care

Example: If your child attends full-day care and the funded hours cover only part of the day, Tax-Free Childcare can help with the rest.

Combining Funding for Maximum Benefit

Many families combine different types of support. For example:

• 30 hours free childcare + Tax-Free Childcare
• 15 hours for a 2-year-old + childcare vouchers (legacy schemes)
• Funding + Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits

Each family’s situation is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate it.

FAQs About Free Childcare and Early Years Funding

Q1: Can I use both Tax-Free Childcare and 30 Free Hours?

Yes. These schemes are compatible and can be used together.

Q2: Do all nurseries offer funded places?

No. Only registered childcare providers with local council agreements offer funded places. Hatching Dragons is a fully registered provider.

Q3: What happens if my income changes mid-year?

You must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months. If your income changes and you’re no longer eligible, a grace period allows your child to continue receiving 30 hours temporarily while you adjust.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Early Years Support

Key Takeaways

• All families of 3- and 4-year-olds can claim 15 hours free childcare
• Working families may be eligible for 30 hours, depending on income
• Early Years Funding can be used with Tax-Free Childcare
• Apply on time, confirm your eligibility, and ask your provider how they deliver the hours

Get Support Today!