Everything You Need to Know About 30 Hours Free Childcare

mfarrer2
Feb 21, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 6, 2025

Are you a working parent looking for help with childcare costs? The 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme could be just what you need. At Happycrew Childcare, we know how important it is for families to access affordable, high-quality early years education, so here’s everything you need to know about this fantastic government-funded offer.

What is 30 Hours Free Childcare?

This scheme provides eligible working parents in England with up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for their 3 and 4-year-old children. It’s an extension of the 15 hours already available to all families, helping parents balance work and family life more easily.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify, you must:

✅ Have a child aged 3 or 4 (before the next term starts)

✅ Earn at least £8,670 per year (if you’re a couple, both of you must earn this amount)

✅ Have an income of less than £100,000 per year per parent

✅ Live in England

Self-employed and part-time workers can still qualify, as long as your earnings meet the criteria.

When Can You Start?

Your child can start benefiting from the free hours the term after they turn 3. There are three term start dates:

1st September (Autumn Term)
1st January (Spring Term)
1st April (Summer Term)

How to Apply

Applying is simple. Just visit the GOV.UK website and search for ‘30 Hours Free Childcare’ or click here. You’ll need to create an account, provide some details, and you’ll receive a code to give to your childcare provider (that’s us). You’ll need to reconfirm your details every 3 months.

How Can Happycrew Childcare Help?

At Happycrew, we offer a warm, nurturing environment where your child can learn, play, and grow while making the most of their funded hours. We provide flexible options to suit your needs, and our experienced team is here to guide you through the application process if you need help.