Funded hours
Childcare hours paid for by the government through your council, sometimes called free hours
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
In England there are three main entitlements: up to 30 hours a week for children of working parents from 9 months old, 15 hours a week for every 3 and 4-year-old, and 15 hours a week for 2-year-olds in families on certain benefits. Each is for 38 weeks a year, or fewer hours over more weeks. The council pays the nursery a set hourly rate. Hours start from the term after your child reaches the qualifying age. Nurseries can charge for optional extras on top. Use our funded hours checker.