In September 2025, a major change to the UK childcare funding system will help working families with children under 3. Eligible families will be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare per week, from the term after their child turns 9 months old until they start school. At Rosedene, we're ready to support more babies in our nurseries across the North East. Here’s a quick guide to the changes and how you can benefit.
Who Is Eligible?
The new 30 hours of funded childcare will depend on your income, employment status, and your child’s age. You can check your eligibility on the Childcare Choices website. Here’s when your child can start receiving the funded childcare, depending on their birth date:
For more details on eligibility, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
What Does the Funding Cover?
The funding covers 30 hours of childcare per week during term time (38 weeks a year). For the remaining 14 weeks, families will need to cover the full cost of childcare.
The majority of Rosedene’s nurseries offer “stretched funding,” which allows you spread the 30 hours over the entire year. For example, the funding covers 22 hours per week over 51 weeks.
Please note: the government funded childcare hours only covers the cost of very basic care, this does not include Rosedene’s enriching early years education and experiences such as meals, snacks, nursery events, parent events, walks, Rosedene parent app, external trips, partnerships or Forest & Beach School activities.
Why Is the Government Expanding Childcare Funding?
This change is part of the government’s plan to support working families. By providing funding from 9 months, they hope to ease the financial burden on parents and help them return to work. This funding also ensures children have access to early years education, which is crucial for their development.
How to Apply for Childcare Funding
Applying for the new funding is similar to the current system. Here’s how to do it:
Create or Log into Your Government Gateway Account
If you don’t have an account, set one up on the Government Gateway website.
Prepare Your Information
You’ll need your National Insurance number, mobile or landline number for security, and one of the following documents: UK Passport, Tax Credits, P60, or a recent payslip.
Log into Your Account
Look for the ‘Free Childcare for Working Parents’ section.
Enter Your Information
Confirm your child’s details and eligibility. If eligible, you’ll get a unique code.
Share Your Code with Your Nursery
Provide the code to your nursery, who will verify your eligibility.
Reconfirm Your Eligibility Every 3 Months
Log in every 3 months to keep your eligibility active.
NHS Number (If Needed)
In some cases you may need your child’s NHS number for verification. Find it at www.nhs.uk/find-nhs-number.
Applications for September 2025 funding open on 12th May 2025, so be sure to apply early to secure your funding code. Places are already very limited, so please secure your child’s place as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out.
We hope this information helps you prepare for the exciting changes coming in September 2025!
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