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15 to 30 hours for 0-4 year olds (working families)

Eligible working parents of children from 9 months to 3 years old may be able to access up to 15 hours a week of funded early education and childcare. From September 2025 this entitlement will increase to 30 hours. 

Eligible working parents of children from 3 years to 4 years old may be able to access up to 30 hours a week of funded early education and childcare.


Am I eligible?

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £184 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) and no more than £100,000 per annum.

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you’re unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.

When can my child start?

Your child can access the funding from the term after they turn 9 months:
  • If your child turns 9 months between 1st April and 31st August, your child can access their place from September.
  • If your child turns 9 months between 1st September and 31st December, your child can access their place from January.
  • If your child turns 9 months between 1st January and 31st March, your child can access their place from April.
If your child is older and looking start when they are 2, 3 or 4 years old:
  • If your child was born between 1st April and 31st August, your child can access their place from September.
  • If your child was born between 1st September and 31st December, your child can access their place from January.
  • If your child was born between 1st January and 31st March, your child can access their place from April.

How do I apply?

To find out if you are eligible and apply for your eligibility code, please visit the Childcare Choices website [External Link], where you will need to set up a childcare account via the Government Gateway. You will need to apply for your code by the end of the term before your child starts their place:

  • If your child is eligible from/due to start between January to March - you must apply for your code by the 31st December
  • If your child is eligible from/due to start between April to July - you must apply for your code by the 31st March
  • If your child is eligible from/due to start between September to December - you must apply for your code by the 31st August

If eligible, you will receive an 11 digit eligibility code which you will need to give to your chosen childcare provider.

PLEASE NOTE: once you receive your code you will need to re-confirm it every three months even if your child has not started yet. 

What isn't covered by the funding?

The funding is not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions. If you choose to pay for these it is an arrangement between you and the childcare provider. However, you must not be required to pay any fee as a condition of taking up a funded place, and you must be offered alternative options.

You may also be asked to pay a deposit to secure your place. This should be returned to you within a couple of months of your child taking up their place.

Can I get help with paying for additional hours?

If you require additional hours, there are other funding options available to support you with the cost:
  • Tax Free Childcare
  • Childcare element of Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits
For more information on all childcare funding available, please visit our 'What help is there to pay for childcare' page or the Childcare Choices website. Both linked at the bottom of the page.

I have a question or need more help?

If you have any general questions around the entitlements or how to access a place in Sutton, then please contact the Sutton Family Information Service on 020 8770 6000.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the Childcare Helpline on 0300 123 4097.

Search for childcare providers who offer the funding? (Opens in New Window)

Apply for your 11 digit eligibility code via Childcare Choices (Opens in New Window)