Free Childcare for Under Fives: What Parents Need to Know

UK Government Announces Extension of 30 Hours Free Childcare from September 2025

Parents across the UK have been given a significant boost with the government’s announcement of extending 30 hours of free childcare to all eligible children under five, starting in September 2025. This new policy is set to alleviate the financial burden of childcare costs and encourage more parents to return to work. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

Both Parents Must Be Employed

To qualify for the 30 hours of free childcare, both parents must be in paid employment, with neither earning more than £100,000 per year. This requirement means that many parents who have left the workforce to care for their children will need to find employment before they can benefit from the scheme. While the policy aims to support working families, it covers only three working days per week, leaving full-time working parents to fund the remaining two days.

Early Registration is Crucial

Avoid Long Waiting Lists

Parents are advised to apply as early as possible to secure a childcare spot. The Department for Education recommends registering a year before the desired start date. With an estimated 85,000 additional spaces needed to accommodate the new policy, long waiting lists are anticipated. Childminder Johanne Hardwick noted that she has already turned away 50 families and has five families on her waitlist, with daily inquiries continuing to pour in.

Participation Varies Among Providers

Check Your Nursery’s Status

Not all nurseries and childminders will participate in the scheme. Some providers may opt out due to the financial strain of implementing the policy, while others may introduce additional ‘top-up fees’ to cover the gap between government funding and operational costs. It’s essential for parents to verify whether their chosen childcare provider is part of the scheme and to be aware of any extra charges.

Term-Time Only Coverage

38 Weeks a Year

The free childcare hours apply only during term time, covering 38 weeks out of the year. This leaves parents needing to find alternative childcare solutions for the remaining 14 weeks. Parents may need to rely on employer benefits such as extended annual leave, carer’s leave, or flexible working arrangements to manage the shortfall during school holidays.

Potential Changes Ahead

Stay Informed

As the scheme is set to start in September 2025, there is a possibility that the rules may change, especially with the upcoming election. Some aspects of the policy might be adjusted if they prove unfeasible within the current timeframe. Parents should stay informed by regularly checking news updates to keep abreast of any changes to the policy.

Expert Insight

Helena Young, Lead Writer at Startups.co.uk, commented on the new childcare policy, highlighting concerns about its practical implementation. “Parents and employers have been searching for clarity on the government’s childcare policy, which was rushed out by the Tories ahead of an election year. But while it had been billed as a way to get more women back to work, in truth, the new entitlement won’t cut the mustard.”

She added, “Limited childcare spaces and staff shortages mean that the policy looks undeliverable in its current form and will more likely lead to fee uncertainty, care waitlists, and school holiday havoc than boosted employment figures. What amounted to a quick win for the Tories could soon become a wasted opportunity for mums, dads, and the wider UK workforce.”

Stay Updated

For the latest updates and detailed information on the 30 hours of free childcare scheme, parents can visit Startups.co.uk, the UK’s longest-serving online small business advice platform. It aims to be the most trusted and comprehensive resource for founders and would-be entrepreneurs.