Existing free childcare support will be expanded in stages starting this April, when eligible working parents of two-year-olds will be able to claim 15 hours of free childcare.

If you qualify, and your child was born between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022, you can apply now for the school term that starts after April’s Easter holidays. Applications close at the end of March, but it is recommended you apply before 28 February.

Then, from this September, the 15 hours of childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of nine months. This means children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 November 2023 will be able to get 15 hours of free childcare from the autumn term. 

If you’re looking for guidance (or are finding it all a bit confusing), head over to Childcare Choices. They have a simple online tool that will help you find the right support.