Free childcare hours in England: what you're entitled to in 2026

Childcare is one of the biggest costs families face, but in England a lot of help is available through free childcare hours, and recent expansions mean far more families now qualify. Understanding what you are entitled to, and when, can save thousands of pounds a year. This guide explains the free childcare hours in England in 2026, who can get them, and how to apply.

The universal 15 hours for 3 and 4 year olds

Every child in England is entitled to 15 hours a week of free early education from the term after their third birthday until they start school, regardless of their family's income or whether the parents work. This universal offer covers 38 weeks a year, matching school term time, although many providers let you spread the hours over more weeks at fewer hours a week. You do not need to apply for this through the government; you arrange it with your childcare provider.

30 hours for working parents

Working parents can get 30 hours a week of free childcare, and following a major expansion this now applies to children from the age of nine months right up to school age, not just three and four year olds. Like the universal offer, the 30 hours covers 38 weeks a year, and can often be stretched over more weeks at fewer hours. For families using the full entitlement, this can be worth thousands of pounds a year.

Who counts as a working parent

To get the 30 hours, you, and your partner if you have one, must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage, and each earn less than £100,000 a year. You also need to live in England and have a National Insurance number. There are exceptions that let you still qualify, for example if one of you is on parental leave, or unable to work because of a disability or caring responsibilities.

Help for two year olds

Some two year olds can get 15 hours a week of free childcare even if their parents are not working, for example if the family receives certain benefits, or the child has additional needs or is looked after. This is aimed at giving disadvantaged children extra support in their early years. If you are on a low income or your child has additional needs, it is worth checking whether your two year old qualifies for this support.

How to apply

For the universal 15 hours for three and four year olds, you simply arrange it with your provider. For the 30 hours for working parents, and the funded hours for eligible two year olds, you apply through the government's childcare service online to get a code, which you give to your provider. You must reconfirm your eligibility every three months, and you need to apply before the deadline for the term you want to start, so do not leave it to the last minute.

What the hours do and do not cover

The free hours cover the cost of your child's early education and care for the funded hours, but they do not cover extras such as meals, nappies, or trips, which providers can charge for separately. Some providers also offer additional paid hours beyond the funded ones. It is worth checking with your chosen provider exactly what is included and what you will be charged for, so there are no surprises on your invoice.

Using an approved provider

To use your free hours, your childcare must be provided by an approved provider, such as an Ofsted-registered nursery, childminder or pre-school. The funding is paid to the provider to deliver your child's funded hours. If you are choosing childcare, check that the provider is registered and offers the funded hours, as not every setting takes part in every scheme, and places can be in high demand.

Combining with other help

You may be able to use your free hours alongside other childcare help. Tax-Free Childcare can help with the cost of any additional hours, and if you are on Universal Credit you may be able to claim back a large part of your remaining childcare costs through the childcare element. Families on a low income in particular should check whether combining these schemes could cover most of their childcare bill.

Tax-Free Childcare

Separately from the free hours, Tax-Free Childcare can help with childcare costs for working parents. For every £8 you pay into an online childcare account, the government adds £2, up to a set limit per child each year, which you then use to pay an approved provider. You cannot usually use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as claiming childcare costs through Universal Credit, so it is worth checking which works out better for your family.

Reconfirming your eligibility

If you use the 30 hours or Tax-Free Childcare, you must reconfirm your details every three months through your childcare account, or you risk losing your funded place. It is easy to forget, so it helps to set a reminder. Keeping your account up to date and reconfirming on time makes sure your childcare funding continues without interruption, which matters both to you and to your provider.

Plan ahead for places

The expansion of free childcare has increased demand, so good nursery and childminder places can fill up quickly. It is wise not to leave arranging childcare until the last few weeks before you need it, and to apply for your eligibility code in good time before the start of term. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of securing a place at a provider you are happy with for your child.

If your circumstances change

Your entitlement to funded childcare can change if your work or income changes, for example if you stop working or your earnings fall below or rise above the limits for the working parent offer. If you no longer qualify for the 30 hours, there is usually a short grace period during which your child can keep their place. Tell your provider and update your childcare account if your circumstances change, so everyone knows where they stand.

In short

In England, all three and four year olds get 15 free hours a week, and working parents of children from nine months to school age can get 30 hours, both for 38 weeks a year. Some two year olds qualify too. Apply through the government's childcare service for a code where needed, reconfirm every three months, and check what extras your provider charges for.

The savings can be substantial

For families using the full entitlement, free childcare can be worth thousands of pounds a year, which can make the difference between work paying and not paying once childcare is taken into account. Because the rules and deadlines are strict, it is worth taking the time to understand exactly what you qualify for and to apply on time, so you do not miss out on support that can transform your family budget.

Where to get help

Your council's family information service and Citizens Advice can help you find funded childcare. If you are on Universal Credit, also see our guide to help with childcare costs through Universal Credit.