Pregnant at 32 weeks - understanding the operation of the newly introduced free childcare hours
Parents in England now have the opportunity to benefit from 30 hours of free childcare per week for their children aged between nine months and four years. This entitlement begins the term after the child turns nine months old.
To be eligible for this funding, both parents must be in paid work, or about to start, with each of their salaries between 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage and £100,000 per year. You can apply for your 30 funded hours via the gov.uk website. It's recommended to apply in advance to have everything in place when you need it.
The funding will pay for up to 30 hours per week over term time, equivalent to 1,140 hours per year per child of childcare based on 38 weeks of term time. Most nurseries are happy to explain their fees and help you plan around them.
Some nurseries offer a 'stretched' option, spreading the 30 hours of funded childcare per week over the whole year (52 weeks). If you choose the 'stretched' option, your weekly funded hours will be lower. For example, 22 hours per week over 52 weeks. You will pay for any extra hours your child attends if you choose the 'stretched' option.
It's important to note that the nursery cannot impose on you top-up fees, registration fees, or deposits. The funding does not cover anything beyond the 30 hours of childcare per week. The key thing to be aware of is that these extras must be voluntary and not a precondition for accessing the free hours.
Examples of optional expenses for childcare not covered by funding and requiring additional fees typically include extra services such as breakfast, WLAN usage, cleaning fee, usage fee for a baby cot, bed linen, and towel charges. The nursery may charge for extras such as meals, snacks, consumables (nappies, wipes, sun cream), optional activities (outings, classes such as music, language, or cooking), and additional hours.
Single parents can also apply if they meet the same criteria. It's worth mentioning that the standard offer of 30 hours of funded childcare per week is during term time (38 weeks a year). You will need to re-confirm your eligibility every three months via your childcare account to keep your place active.
This news is a significant step towards supporting working parents in England, providing them with more flexibility and financial relief. For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the gov.uk website.
