Understanding the New Changes To Free Childcare in 2024: What Parents Need To Know

At Bright Little Stars Nursery, we know that finding the right form of childcare and early education for parents can be difficult for parents. This September, as we entered a new nursery year, it’s important to stay informed about the significant changes to government-funded childcare that have now taking effect which can ease some of the financial concerns about finding the right childcare.

Let’s explore what’s new and how Bright Little Stars Nursery can help you make the most of these benefits.

Key Changes to Free Childcare from 2024

From this September, the Government expanded its funded childcare hours to provide more support to families across England. Here’s what you need to know:

April 2024: Eligible two-year-olds could access 15 hours of free childcare each week.

September 2024: 15 hours of funded childcare became available for children aged 9-23 months.

September 2025: Up to 30 hours of funded childcare is now available to children from 9 months to school age.

These changes are a significant boost for working parents and those planning to return to work, offering more options to ensure your child receives high-quality care and early education during their formative years.

Understanding the Government Funded Childcare Schemes

In England, there are three main government-funded early education schemes for children aged two, three, and four:

15 Hours For Childcare for 2-Year-Olds:

Available to families on certain low-income benefits or for children with additional needs.

From April 2024, this scheme has been expanded to include more eligible two-year-olds.

15 Hours For Childcare for All 3 and 4-Year-Olds (Universal Entitlement):

This scheme continues to provide 15 hours to all 3 and 4-year-olds in England, regardless of income.

15/30 Hours For Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months to 4 Years (Working Parents):

For children aged 9 months to 2 years:

From September 2025, 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

For children aged 2 years:

As of April 2024, you can access 15 hours funded childcare per week.

From September 2025, this will increase to 30 hours per week.

For children aged 3 to 4 years:

You are eligible to receive 30 hours funded childcare per week.

Eligibility for 15/30 Hours Funded Childcare

To be eligible for the 15/30 hours of funded childcare, you and your partner must meet specific work and earnings requirements unless an exception applies. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Work and Earnings Requirements:

If you’re a single parent, you must: 

Work and earn, or expect to earn over the next 3 months, at least the equivalent of working 16 hours per week at the national minimum or living wage (depending on your age).

Not have an adjusted net income exceeding £100,000 for the tax year.

If you’re applying as a couple: 

Both you and your partner must work and earn, or expect to earn over the next 3 months, at least the equivalent of working 16 hours per week at the national minimum or living wage (depending on your age).

Neither of you must have an individual adjusted net income exceeding £100,000 for the tax year.

Exceptions to the Work and Earnings Requirements:

Certain circumstances exempt you from meeting the work and earnings requirements, including:

During periods of ‘specified leave’ such as maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, parental bereavement, or carer’s leave.

If you are receiving statutory pay for the above leave types, Maternity Allowance, or Statutory Sick Pay.

Self-employed parents who would be entitled to the above leave or pay if they were employed are also exempt.

Note: If you’re on specified leave (except for parental bereavement leave, carer’s leave, or receiving Statutory Sick Pay), you are only exempt from meeting the minimum earnings requirement if you plan to return to work by the end of the month in which the term begins and are seeking free childcare for the child for whom you’re on specified leave.

At Bright Little Stars Nursery, we’re dedicated to supporting our current and prospective parents through these changes. The expanded Government funded childcare hours offer a fantastic opportunity to give your child a head start in a nurturing and stimulating environment while also alleviating some of the financial burdens of childcare.

We encourage our families to take advantage of these new schemes to ensure that your child receives the best possible start in life. If you’re eligible for the new hours which became available in September, or if you have questions about how these changes will affect your current childcare arrangements, our team is here to help.

Next Steps

As we settle into this new nursery year, we recommend that all parents review the eligibility criteria and apply for the relevant schemes as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on these benefits. For more detailed information, you can visit the Education Hub or check out the How to Claim 15 Hours Free Childcare Code guide.

At Bright Little Stars Nursery, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.