Using the funded hours

Many childcare providers will work flexibly to help meet your needs. Some providers will allow you to stretch the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Each funded session can last up to 10 hours a day up to a maximum of 15 hours per week or 30 hours if eligible.

The funded hours you may be entitled to:

  • currently, up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England for 3 and 4 year olds
  • from April 2024, up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a 2-year-old
  • from September 2024, up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months old
  • from September 2025, up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age

If you would like to add extra hours, you can purchase them from your childcare provider if they have space available. Providers can ask for additional charges in addition to funded hours.