In the UK, working parents may be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years, available for 38 weeks annually. This provision is part of the government’s Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme, designed to support families balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Eligibility requires both parents (or a single parent in a lone-parent household) to be employed or about to start work, earning a minimum amount. If your child is between 2 and 3 years old and you or your child receive extra support, you may qualify for an additional 15 hours per week, totaling 30 hours weekly for 38 weeks a year. (GOV.UK)

While the childcare hours are free, parents might incur additional costs for optional extras such as meals, nappies, additional hours, or activities like trips. These costs are not mandatory, and providers should accommodate alternative arrangements if parents choose not to pay for them. To apply, parents need to set up a childcare account on the GOV.UK website, where they can check eligibility, apply for the scheme, and receive an 11-digit eligibility code to present to their childcare provider. It’s important to reconfirm eligibility every three months to continue receiving the free childcare entitlement. (GOV.UK)