Key Dates Parents Need to Access Free Childcare Ahead of Major Rule Change

• 15 hours of free childcare for children aged 9 months to 2 years old from September.
• Apply now to receive a code for your childcare provider.
• Changes extend eligibility and hours for working parents.

Working parents with children aged between nine months and two years will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare from September. However, to utilise these free hours, parents must download a code and share it with their childcare provider in advance.

Applications are already open, and there's no need to delay. Here's what you need to know.

The government has expanded the free childcare scheme, allowing more parents to access it earlier and receive additional hours. Previously, all parents received 15 free hours for children aged three and four, with eligible working parents getting 30 funded hours. Now, parents of two-year-olds who meet the criteria also get 15 hours free, a change implemented earlier this year. From September, this will extend to parents of children aged between nine months and two years old.

Additionally, from September next year, working parents earning between the upper and lower limits will receive 30 funded hours of childcare from nine months to school age. It's crucial to note that the free hours cover only 38 weeks a year, and some providers may charge extra for meals or nappies.

To be eligible for the funded hours, you (and your partner) need to be working, starting a new job, or on certain types of leave. Both of you must earn £2,380 before tax over the next three months, with slightly lower limits for those under 21. Self-employed parents whose businesses started less than 12 months ago may also qualify with lower earnings. Those on certain benefits might still be eligible.

If your child is between nine months and school age, you can apply for the funding now, but it won't commence for babies aged nine to 23 months until September. Applications can be made on gov.uk, where you'll receive a code to share with your childcare provider. You’ll need your national insurance number, work start date, and details of any government support or benefits.

Parents must apply before the start of the school summer holidays to receive free hours from September. Places are expected to be available nationwide, but some settings have waiting lists, so secure your spot early.

HMRC warns that some parents on parental leave may receive incorrect ineligibility messages online but will receive a valid entitlement code by post. Codes must be renewed every three months.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, says: "It's great to see more support for working parents. Make sure you apply in time to benefit from these changes."