About funded childcare
Depending on how old your child is, you may be able to access between 15 and 30 hours government funded childcare.
The help you can get also depends on whether you are working or receiving government support (certain benefits).
Funded childcare hours and support
Each funded childcare scheme has different criteria's and eligibility rules:
- 15 hours for eligible children aged 9 months to 2 years
- 15 hours for eligible 2 year olds
- 15 hours for all 3 and 4 year olds
- 30 hours for eligible 3 and 4 year olds
When you should apply
You should apply when your child turns the relevant age.
| Birthday falls between | Eligible funding | Apply by | Apply for a code by |
| 1 January to 31 March | Start of the Summer term (April) | 15 January to 28 February | 31 March |
| 1 April to 31 August | Start of the Autumn term (September) | 15 June to 31 July | 31 August |
| 1 September to 31 December | Start of the Spring term (January) | 15 October to 30 November | 31 December |
If you do not apply by the deadline, you will not be able to take up your hours in that term.
Eligibility checking process
You will need to apply and register with GOV.UK for funded childcare places. The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will check to see if you are entitled.
Once your application has been approved, your childcare provider will need your:
- eligibility code
- National Insurance number
- child's date of birth
The provider will then complete an electronic check through Cumberland Council to verify your eligibility.
You will be expected to verify your continued eligibility every 3 months with HMRC.
If you do not continue to be eligible, the additional hours will cease at the end of the grace period.
If you lose eligibility
You will receive a grace period. This means you will be able to keep your childcare for a short period of time.
Grace period eligibility timescales:
| Date you receive notification of ineligibility | Date we check eligibility | Grace period end date |
| 1 January to 10 February | 11 February | 31 March |
| 11 February to 31 March | 1 April | 31 August |
| 1 April to 26 May | 27 May | 31 August |
| 27 May to 31 August | 1 September | 31 December |
| 1 September to 21 October | 22 October | 31 December |
| 22 October to 31 December | 1 January | 31 March |
The Childcare Choices website provides further information about childcare support, entitlements and help with childcare costs.
Benefits for you and your child
Early years research shows that good quality early education benefits children in the long term.
High quality pre-school provision gives children the best start in life as it:
- enhances children's social, physical and mental development
- helps to prepare children for school
- allows them to meet and play with other children
The areas of learning include:
• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development
Your child will:
• experience new and exciting activities
• make new friends
• build their confidence and social skills
• improve their speech and language
As a parent, free early education can help you:
• save on childcare costs
• have time to explore work and/or training opportunities
• take on more paid work
• support your child to play and learn
• have more time to yourself