New childcare offer for working parents
As you may already be aware from January 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to register to access up to 15 hours of funded childcare a week starting from April 2024.
This is the first stage of the expanded government-funded childcare offer for eligible working parents, extending to all children from 9 months to 2 years from September 2024.
By September 2025 all children of eligible working parents under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare.
Who will be eligible
Working parents who individually earn £8,670 but less than £100,000 adjusted net income are eligible.
For couples, the rules apply to both parents, so both must earn at least £8,670 and neither can earn more than £100,000.
How to apply
The government announced the portal for applying would open on 2 January 2024. However, Childcare Choices recommends parents apply between 15 January and 28 February to avoid having to re-confirm their code before April.
For more information about this and other offers and to find out if you’re eligible follow the link to the Childcare Choices website or call the HMRC Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097.
We are aware that some parents are experiencing difficulties with the application process. The government has released information reassuring those who are eligible that they will receive their code in time for an April start.
For support and guidance contact the HMRC number above who will advise.
As a Local Authority, we have no authority over this process and currently have no additional information than that published on Childcare Choices webpages.
Please note: This new offer is different to the existing 2-year funding for families who receive additional forms of government support.
If you require more information on this particular offer please go to our eligibility for funded childcare for 2 years olds page.