From September 2025, eligible families in England will benefit from a significant upgrade in free childcare provision. Parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years will now be able to access up to 30 hours of free childcare each week during term time.
This move marks the final phase of a phased rollout that began in April 2024 and is designed to address the affordability of childcare, help parents return to work, and stimulate the early years sector. It is one of the government’s most ambitious childcare reforms to date.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | September 2025 |
| Eligibility | Working parents earning £8,670-£100,000/year per parent |
| Child’s Age | 9 months to 4 years |
| Free Hours | 30 hrs/week (term time only) |
| Providers | Nurseries, school-based, childminders |
| Application Site | gov.uk |
Key Features
The new childcare initiative offers expanded support for working families across England. Below are the key features of the new plan:
- Policy Start Date: September 2025
- Eligible Children: Ages 9 months to 4 years
- Free Hours Offered: Up to 30 hours/week during term time (around 38 weeks/year)
- Parent Eligibility: Annual income between £8,670 and £100,000 per parent
- Location: England only (other nations in the UK operate different childcare systems)
- Providers: Includes nurseries, pre-schools, registered childminders, and school-based care
This expansion aims to bring relief to families dealing with the rising cost of childcare and make it easier for both parents to stay in the workforce.
New System Vs Old System?
Here’s how the new system compares to the previous model:
| Aspect | Pre-2025 | From Sept 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 3–4 years | 9 months to 4 years |
| Free Hours | 15–30 hrs/week (3–4 years only) | 30 hrs/week for all eligible |
| Availability | Term-time only | Term-time only |
| Providers | Limited nursery access | Expanded providers including private and public settings |
| Funding | Existing levels | Increased to support more children and staff |
This reform is expected to boost participation in the workforce, particularly among mothers, and reduce household financial pressure.
How to Apply for Free Childcare Hours in 2025
Applying for the new hours is straightforward and primarily done online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official childcare portal at gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working
- Create or log into your childcare account
- Provide employment and income information
- Add your child’s birthdate and other details
- Submit the application and receive a unique childcare code
- Share the code with your registered childcare provider
- Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months to continue receiving free hours
Children become eligible the term after they reach 9 months old, so it’s important to apply before that point to avoid delays.
Benefits for Families and the Economy
The expanded childcare scheme is expected to produce far-reaching benefits:
- Cost Savings: Families could save up to £6,500 a year per child
- Increased Work Participation: More parents, especially mothers, can return to or stay in work
- Gender Equality: Supports shared caregiving roles
- Economic Boost: Encourages consumer spending and growth in the early years sector
- Reduced Reliance on Benefits: Less pressure on Universal Credit and other public aid programs
Quick FAQs
Q1: What age children qualify for free childcare from September 2025?
A = Children aged 9 months to 4 years, if parents meet the income and work criteria.
Q2: Are self-employed parents eligible?
A = Yes, as long as they meet the income thresholds and work requirements.
Q3: How do I keep my childcare hours once approved?
A = You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months through the HMRC portal.
Q4: When should I apply?
A = Apply during the term before your child turns 9 months to ensure coverage from the next term.
