When do funded hours start?
Funded hours start on 1 January, 1 April or 1 September: the first of those dates after your child reaches the qualifying age (9 months for working parents, 2 for eligible 2-year-olds, 3 for the universal hours). Working parents can apply from 23 weeks old and must have a code by the day before the term starts.
Example: a child born 14 August 2026
1 September 2027 working-parent hours start
The working
- Turns 9 months
- 14 May 2027
- Next term start after that
- 1 September 2027 (autumn term)
- Apply from (23 weeks old)
- 14 August 2026 + 161 days = 22 January 2027
- Deadline (day before term)
- 31 August 2027
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Free Childcare for Working Parents
1 September 2027 · 30 hours a week
Turns 9 months on 14 May 2027. Apply from 22 January 2027, by 31 August 2027.
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15 hours for eligible 2-year-olds (Early Learning for 2 year olds)
1 September 2028 · 15 hours a week
Turns 2 on 14 August 2028. Only for families on certain benefits or children with extra needs; apply through your council.
-
15 hours for all 3 and 4-year-olds
1 September 2029 · 15 hours a week
Turns 3 on 14 August 2029. No application to HMRC; your nursery claims it from the council.
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Reception (funded early years hours end)
1 September 2030
Children start reception in the September after they turn 4.
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Next steps
Assumptions
- A qualifying date that falls on a term start (for example turning 9 months on 1 January) waits for the next term: hours start the term after.
- Some councils and nurseries let children start part-way through a term; ask yours. The dates here are the national rule.
- Children born on 31 August start reception a year earlier than children born on 1 September.
Questions parents ask
My baby turns 9 months on 1 September. When do the hours start?
On 1 January. Hours start the term after your child turns 9 months: anyone turning 9 months between 1 September and 31 December starts on 1 January.
When should I apply for the 30 hours code?
From when your child is 23 weeks old, and by the day before the term you want it for: 31 December for January, 31 March for April, 31 August for September. Applying a few weeks early gives you time to pass the code to the nursery.
Does my child get funding the day they turn 3?
No. The universal 15 hours start on the 1 January, 1 April or 1 September after the 3rd birthday.
When do funded hours stop?
When your child starts in reception, normally the September after their 4th birthday.
Sources
- When to apply and term start dates checked 11 November 2026
- 15 hours for 3 and 4-year-olds checked 11 November 2026
- 15 hours for eligible 2-year-olds checked 11 November 2026
By The Toddly editorial team · Rules checked 11 November 2026