Changes to nursery and pre-school childcare
The March 2023 budget announced changes to help parents to return to work, or increase their working hours, following parental leave. This includes providing increased funded childcare for eligible parents with children aged nine months to four years.
The changes started from April 2024 and are being gradually introduced to allow childcare providers to prepare. Our early years team are working closely with providers to make sure they are ready, and that there are enough providers to meet demand.
The table below shows current entitlement, along with dates when the new entitlement will start.
| Timeframe | What three to four year olds get | What two year olds get | What children nine to 23 months get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now | All get 15 hours - see 15 hours funded childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible - see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 15 hours if eligible - see Funded childcare sessions for two year olds (Play and Learn) 15 hours for eligible working families. Visit Childcare Choices to find out more and apply. | None |
| From September 2024 | All get 15 hours - see 15 hours funded childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible - see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 15 hours if eligible - see Funded childcare sessions for two year olds (Play and Learn) 15 hours for eligible working families. Visit Childcare Choices to find out more and apply. | 15 hours if eligible |
| From September 2025 | All get 15 hours - see 15 hours funded childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible - see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 30 hours if eligible | 30 hours if eligible |
