Childcare can be one of the biggest expenses for families, but there’s good news: many families in England are now eligible for free nursery hours, starting from as early as 9 months old.
These funded hours give your child the chance to learn, play and grow in a nurturing environment – and they can offer parents and carers more flexibility too. Whether you’re returning to work, studying, or just want your child to benefit from early learning, understanding what you’re entitled to is the first step.
What Funded Hours Can You Get in 2026?
As of February 2026, here’s a simple breakdown of what families can access:
✅ For 3 and 4-year-olds:
- 15 hours per week for all families (during term time)
- 30 hours per week for eligible working families
✅ For 2-year-olds:
- 15 or 30 hours per week for eligible working families
✅ For children aged 9 months to under 2:
- 15 or 30 hours per week for eligible working families
So if you’re working and meet the criteria, you could now receive up to 30 hours of free childcare per week from the time your child is 9 months old.
Who Qualifies as a ‘Working Family’?
You may be eligible for the full 30 hours if:
- You (and your partner, if you have one) each earn at least £8,670 a year
(roughly 16 hours per week on minimum wage) - You each earn less than £100,000 per year
- You’re employed or self-employed
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for a quick and easy eligibility check.
Why Early Education Matters
Funded childcare is about more than saving money – it’s about giving your child the best start. In a nursery setting, children learn to:
- Communicate and build friendships
- Grow in confidence and independence
- Explore through play and discovery
- Get ready for school in a supportive, age-appropriate way
Even just a few hours each week can make a lasting difference to your child’s development.
How to Claim Your Free Hours
Getting started is simple:
- Check your eligibility on the Childcare Choices website
- Apply for your code (and remember to renew it every 3 months)
- Give your code to us – we’ll guide you through the rest
And if you’re already using funded hours, we can help check whether you’re now eligible for more.
Let’s Chat About Your Child’s Place
If you’re thinking about nursery for your baby or toddler – or planning ahead for later in the year – we’re here to help. Our team is happy to explain how funding works and talk through your options.
Get in touch today to book a visit or speak to us about availability – we’d love to welcome you in.
