Funded childcare
Are you getting the free childcare you’re entitled to?
15 free hours for 2 year olds
Are you in receipt of certain benefits, such as Income Support or Universal Credit? Are you caring for a looked after child? Is your child entitled to Disability Living Allowance? Are you a non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizen, receiving support under the Immigration and Asylum Act? If so, you may be entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare, over 38 weeks. To find out more, check your eligibility and make an application, visit Herefordshire Council’s website.
A Golden Ticket for two year olds
The Department for Work and Pensions identify families that may be eligible for 2 year old funding. If you’re one of those families, Herefordshire Council will send you a Golden Ticket through the post.
To take advantage of your Golden Ticket, all you need to do is contact your chosen registered childcare provider(s) to see if they have space for your child. Once you’ve found a provider you’re happy with and confirmed they have a place available, simply hand them your Golden Ticket within two weeks of the date shown on the back of the ticket.
15 free hours for 3 to 4 year olds
All 3 to 4 year olds are entitled to 15 free hours a week of childcare or early education, over 38 weeks, from the term after they turn 3.
30 free hours for 3 to 4 year olds
If you’re a working parent(s), you may be entitled to 30 free hours of childcare. To find out more, check your eligibility and make an application, take a look at the Government’s website.
Changes to funded childcare in 2024/2025
For eligible families this could include:
- Up to 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 2 year olds.
- Up to 30 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 3-4 year olds.
- Can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers.
- Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.
From September 2024 - Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months old. Apply for your code from 12th May.
From September 2025 - Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.
Childcare choices is the new government website that will help you to find the right childcare offer for your family. For more information please visit the The Childcare Choices website.
Herefordshire Council offer information and advice on the different childcare funding options available, along with how to check eligibility, how you can use your hours and what to expect from your childcare provider.
The Government’s Childcare Choices provide a wide range of useful information on paying for your childcare and finding the right offer for you, whether you have a toddler or a teenager.