In England government funding is available for childcare. It is offered to working parents in a variety of financial support. The specific amount of funding depends on the child’s age, family income, and eligibility criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the main schemes

Free childcare if you are working:

• Beginning September 2025, children aged 9 months to 3 years: Working parents can get up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year. Term time only.
• For children aged 3 to 4 years: Parents can get 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year. Term time only.
• Eligibility: Check your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
• How to apply: Apply online through the GOV.UK website.

Tax-Free Childcare:

• Government contribution: The government contributes 20% of the cost of childcare, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.
• Eligibility: Check your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
• How it works: You pay your childcare costs, and the government tops up your payment with an extra 20%.

Free childcare for 2-year-olds:

• Eligibility: Children aged 2 can get free childcare if their family receives certain benefits or if the child has additional needs. Check www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
• Hours: Eligible families can get 15 hours per week of free childcare.

Free childcare for 3-year-olds:

ALL children are entitled to receive 15hrs childcare, the term after they turn 3 years of age. This is term time only.

Important Considerations:

• Shannon ChildCare is an approved childcare provision, and is Ofsted registered. You can only get help with childcare costs from an “approved childcare” provider.
• Additional costs: Shannon ChildCare operates throughout the year, not term time only. We therefore extend the government funding over 12 months. Please refer to our pricing below.
• Changes to eligibility: Your eligibility for childcare support may change if your circumstances change.
• Checking your details: If you’re getting free childcare or Tax-Free Childcare, you need to confirm your details every 3 months.