Working parents of three and four year olds in Alfreton – and elsewhere in England – can access 30 hours of free childcare a week.

The offer is funded by the government as part of a package of different schemes designed to help parents with the cost of childcare.

We’ve put together a guide to explain more about the offer and how parents can take advantage of it.

Who is eligible?

All families with three and four year olds can receive 15 hours of free childcare a week. The offer is universal and there are no eligibility requirements.

However, parents of three and four year olds who work the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week on average – and earn £152 per week or more – can access an extra 15 hours of free childcare a week. A total of 30 hours of free childcare every week.

How do I apply?

Applications have to be made online via the Government Gateway service online.

You will need your National Insurance number and details of either your UK Passport, tax credits, P60 or a recent payslip.

If your application is successful, you will be given a code to give to your childcare provider in order to access the offer.

Is there a deadline for applying?

The offer is available the term after your child turns three, and you can apply at any time after your child is two years and 36 weeks old.

However, you will need a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts and the government has recommended times of when you should apply.

For example, if your child turns three between April 1 and August 31, they will be able to receive 30 hours of free childcare from the term starting on or after September 1.

The government recommends that families apply for the offer between June 15 and July 31. However, families do have until August 31 to apply for the start of the new term.

Further information

You can find the full eligibility criteria and apply online here.

Picture credit – Esi Grünhagen from Pixabay