Funded childcare from 9 months old
To provide more support for parents and carers across Cumberland, eligible working parents will be able to access funded childcare the term after their child turns 9 months old.
You can find more information on the Childcare Choices website.
About the funding
Funding is available from the term after your child turns 9 months old.
| Turns 9 months on or between | Terms for eligible funding |
| 1 January to 31 March | Summer term (April onwards) |
| 1 April to 31 August | Autumn term (September onwards) |
| 1 September to 31 December | Spring term (January onwards) |
Childcare providers
Providers must be Ofsted registered and included on the local authority list. They include:
- day nurseries
- pre schools
- nursery schools
- nursery classes
- independent schools
- childminders
We cannot fund any other types of care, including family arrangements.
You can find a list of approved childcare providers in our Family Information Directory.
Using your 15 hours funded childcare
You can use your funded 15 hours:
- over a minimum of 2 days or a maximum of 5 days per week
- for a minimum of 2.5 hours a day and a maximum of 10 hours a day
- over 38 weeks
- pro-rota over a maximum of 52 weeks per year
- anytime between 6am to 8pm, depending on the sessions offered by your chosen provider
- flexibly with one or more childcare providers
- without paying for additional services
You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.
Apply for funding
Working families can get up to 15 hours funded childcare for 9 month olds.
Follow the step by step guide on GOV.UK to check if you are eligible and apply online.
Updates to funded childcare
From September 2025, eligible working parents of children from 9 months to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.
We will keep you informed with further updates and information.