Expanded entitlements for ages 2 and under

Eligible working parents of three and four-year-olds can access 30 hours a week of early education. From April 2024, the early education entitlement will be expanded for working families of younger children so they can access 15 hours per week, increasing to 30 hours per week by September 2025.

The expanded offer for younger children will be introduced in stages:

• From April 2024 - working parents of two-year olds can access 15 hours
• From September 2024 - working parents of children aged 9 to 23 months can access 15 hours
• From September 2025 - working parents of children aged nine months upwards can access 30 hours

Depending on the childcare provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks during term time, or up to 52 weeks if fewer hours are accessed each week.

The funding is not intended to cover the costs of meals, nappies or additional activities, such as trips. Providers may charge a fee for these additions if they are required.

Eligible working parents

Parents must earn at least £167 per week and each parent must not earn more than £100,000 per year to be eligible for this expanded funding. Eligibility can be checked on the Childcare Choices website when the application process opens in January 2024.

Eligibility for 2 year olds from 1 April 2024

Children are entitled to the funded hours from the term after the age they become eligible. Relevant dates for commencing:

• Children born in the period 1 January to 31 March: the start of term beginning on or following 1 April after the child’s second birthday;
• Children born in the period 1 April to 31 August: the start of term beginning on or following 1 September after the child’s second birthday;
• Children born in the period 1 September to 31 December: the start of term beginning on or following 1 January after the child’s second birthday

How to apply?

Applications for working parents of 2-year-olds eligible from 1 April 2024 will be accepted from 2nd January 2024 on the Childcare Choices website.

What happens next?

If approved, a childcare account will be set up and an eligibility code issued to give to the childcare provider.

The eligibility code must be reconfirmed by parents via the Childcare Choices account every 3 months to maintain eligibility; reminders will be sent to parents by Childcare Choices.

Page last reviewed: 20 November 2023