15 and 30 hours funded childcare, explained.
Eligible working parents in England can get up to 30 funded hours a week from the term after their child turns 9 months. Here’s who qualifies, when to apply and how it works at Tiny Angels.
Last checked September 2026. Always confirm your eligibility on GOV.UK.
Funding at a glance
Working parents, from 9 months
Up to 30 funded hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. At Tiny Angels we stretch them across 51 weeks, which works out at about 22 hours a week off your full-time fees.
15 hours options
Working parents can choose 15 of their 30 hours. That saves about £453 a month on a full-time place, compared with about £907 with 30 hours.
Tax-Free Childcare
The government tops up what you pay into your childcare account, up to £2,000 a year per child (£4,000 if your child is disabled).
We’ll offer funded places once our Ofsted registration is complete. Babies who aren’t yet eligible can start with us on full fees and move onto funded hours the term after they qualify. Work out what you’d pay with our fee calculator.
Eligibility for 30 hours
You and any partner must usually both meet these conditions.
- You live in England and your child is aged 9 months to school age
- You’re working, starting work, or on maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave
- Neither parent expects an adjusted net income over £100,000 this tax year
- You each expect to earn at least the amounts below over the next 3 months
| Your age | Over 3 months | About per week |
|---|---|---|
| 21 or over | £2,643.68 | £203.36 |
| 18 to 20 | £2,256.80 | £173.60 |
| Under 18 or an apprentice | £1,664.00 | £128.00 |
If you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago, you don’t need to meet the minimum income. Source: GOV.UK.
Starting with us in 2027
| Funding from | Child turns 9 months | Code needed by |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | By 31 Dec 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 |
| April 2027 | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 |
| September 2027 | 1 Apr – 31 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 |
Babies already over 9 months can use funding from the term after you get a valid code.
How to apply
Apply onlineUse your childcare account on GOV.UK. You can apply once your baby is 23 weeks old. You’ll need your National Insurance number.
Get your 11-digit codeGive it to us with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth, and we’ll check it with Ealing Council.
Reconfirm every 3 monthsSign in to your childcare account every 3 months to keep your code valid. You’ll get a reminder.
More ways to cut the cost
Tax-Free Childcare
Open an online account, pay in, and the government adds £2 for every £8. Up to £500 every 3 months per child (£1,000 if disabled). Use it alongside your funded hours.
Universal Credit
If you get Universal Credit, you may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs. You can’t get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time.
15 hours for 2 year olds
Useful when your child moves on at two. For example, families on Universal Credit with low earnings, or children with an EHC plan. Apply through Ealing Council.
15 hours for 3 and 4 year olds
Every 3 and 4 year old in England can get 15 hours a week, useful for older brothers and sisters.
Common questions
Official guidance: 30 hours free childcare · Tax-Free Childcare · Ealing Council childcare funding
Can I get 30 hours free childcare for a baby?
Yes. Since September 2025, eligible working parents in England can get up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week from the term after their child turns 9 months, until they start school.
Who is eligible for 30 hours funded childcare?
Each parent (or you, if you are a single parent) must expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage, and neither parent can have an adjusted net income over £100,000 a year.
When should I apply for funded childcare?
You can apply once your baby is 23 weeks old. For funding from January 2027, you need a valid code by 31 December 2026.
Can I use Tax-Free Childcare with 30 hours?
Yes. You can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for extra hours on top of your funded hours.
Can I use 15 hours instead of 30?
Yes. Working parents can choose to take 15 funded hours a week instead of 30.
Save your child’s place on our waiting list.
It takes two minutes and there’s no commitment. We’ll keep you updated and invite you to see the nursery before we open.