From 1 September 2025, the amount of government-funded childcare available to eligible working parents in England doubled from 15 to 30 hours for children under the age of two. This expansion means that all eligible children can now receive 30 hours of funded childcare from the term after they turn nine months old until they start school. It represents a significant boost for families across the country, offering potential savings of up to £7,500 per year, per child.

Last year, around half a million families benefited from 15 hours of funded childcare, with 93% securing their first-choice provider, according to the Childcare Experiences Survey. Many parents—especially those on lower incomes—used this support to increase their working hours, helping them balance employment with family responsibilities.

But this offer is about more than financial relief. High-quality childcare helps children grow in confidence, develop social skills, and prepare for the transition to school. From 1 September 2025, parents can also explore the new Best Start in Life online hub, which brings together trusted information and support from pregnancy through the early years. The hub includes an updated eligibility checker—formerly on the Childcare Choices website—to help parents confirm what support they can receive.

Below, we explain how the 30-hour scheme for working parents and the 15-hour scheme for families receiving additional support work, and how to access and apply for them.

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