Here are the main schemes by country:
| Scheme | What It Offers | Who’s Eligible / Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| England: 30 Hours Free Childcare (Working Parents) | Up to 30 hours/week free childcare or early education for children aged 9 months to 4 years, for 38 weeks per year. | Both parents (or the only parent/carer) must be working or starting a job, and meet income thresholds. Requires using an approved childcare provider. |
| England: 15 Hours Free for 3-4 Year-Olds | All 3- and 4-year-olds get 15 hours/week free early education (approx. 570 hours/year). | Universal for that age group, no work requirement needed. Starts the term after the child turns 3. |
| England: 2 Year-Olds Free If Extra Support | 15 hours/week free childcare for 2-year-olds who meet certain additional criteria like low income, receiving benefits, or having special needs. | Must live in England; must use approved providers. Criteria include receiving Universal Credit, having low household income, or child has Disability Living Allowance or in care. |
| Scotland: Funded Early Learning & Childcare | Up to 1,140 hours/year funded early learning and childcare for 3-4 year-olds (≈30 hours/week in term time). Some 2-year-olds may also qualify. | All 3-4 year olds; for 2-year-olds eligibility depends on additional support or income criteria. Provider must be registered. |
| Wales: Childcare / Early Education Offer | Mix of hours depending on age and parental employment. All 3-4 year-olds get a base free early education (10 hours/week), with additional free childcare (up to 20 hours more for eligible working parents); holiday-session support in some cases. | Eligibility for extra hours depends on parental work status, income thresholds, or leave/benefits status. Local authority area may affect availability. |
| Northern Ireland & Other Provides | Free pre-school places (e.g. 12.5 hours/week for 3-4 year olds in term time) and other locally provided early years support services. | Varies by age, local authority, and whether the child is in a nursery school, voluntary or private provider registered with the pre-school scheme. |
Recent Changes / Expansions (2024-2025)
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From September 2025, the 30-hour free childcare offer in England is being extended to children aged from 9 months.
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Also, the free entitlement for 2-year-olds with additional support has been expanded.
Things Parents Should Know
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The free childcare covers only approved childcare providers (nurseries, childminders, etc.), often registered with Ofsted or equivalent.
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Although the childcare hours are free, there can still be “extras” parents may need to pay for, such as meals, nappies, outings, or additional hours beyond the free entitlement.
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Eligibility check and sometimes periodic confirmation are needed, especially for working-parent schemes. If your earnings or circumstances change, you may need to re-confirm.
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Local availability may vary; some councils/providers may not offer stretched hours or may limit number of hours per day. It’s important to check with your local council or provider.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons / Challenges |
|---|---|
| Reduces childcare cost significantly for families. | Not “free” in full — extras often still charged. |
| Helps parents return to work / study with less childcare burden. | Eligibility criteria exclude some parents, e.g. those not working or under income threshold. |
| Supports early education — beneficial for child development. | Some areas/providers may not have enough capacity, causing waitlists. |
| Different schemes cover different ages, so more comprehensive coverage is arriving. | Complex eligibility and paperwork; confusion over when hours start (by term) or the provider’s participation. |
How to Apply / Find Out If You’re Eligible
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Go to GOV.UK or the relevant country-government site (Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland) and use their early years / childcare section.
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Contact your local council’s early years or family information service. They can confirm what your local provision is.
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Check if your income, work status, or child’s circumstances make you eligible for additional support.