Working parents: If you receive a new code, get this checked with a childcare provider as soon as possible. See below.
Overview
You can get 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare a week.
15 hours for ALL parents
If you have a child who is 3 or 4 years old, you can get up to 15 hours of childcare a week. This is available to all parents, regardless of financial circumstances or immigration status.
30 hours for working parents
If you and any partner you live with are working, you could qualify for up to 30 hours of childcare a week.
How childcare funding can help you and your child
Funded childcare helps your child learn and get ready for school.
It also lets you return to work, education, or focus on other priorities.
When your child can start
Your child can begin their funded place from the term after they turn 3. Check the table below, which shows this.
Turns 3 years on or in between |
Eligible for funding from |
|---|---|
1 January to 31 March |
1 April |
1 April to 31 August |
1 September |
1 September to 31 December |
1 January |
The funding will end when your child reaches school age.
If you receive 30 hours, you will continue to receive it if you remain eligible for it. Otherwise, you will get 15 hours.
The funding hours explained
All parents can get 570 hours a year. This is usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
Eligible working parents can get 1,140 hours a year. This is usually taken as 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
The funding is flexible. Some providers offer the 'stretched entitlement'. This lets a child attend fewer hours each week but spread out over more weeks in the year. It includes some holidays.
Your childcare provider will explain how you can use your funded hours.
What is not covered
The funding does not include:
- food
- consumables such as nappies and cream
- extra activities such as trips
Your provider may charge for these, but you can choose to opt out.
Before your child starts, you need to sign a contract with your childcare provider. Ensure that any charges are clear and agreed upon beforehand.
Choosing childcare inside or outside the borough
Guidance differs for those living inside or outside Hammersmith and Fulham (H&F).
H&F residents
If you live in H&F, you can use an Ofsted registered nursery, preschool or childminder. Confirm with them if they accept the funding.
If you want a place in another borough, check their availability and process. Some councils and providers may prioritise local families.
Non-H&F residents
If you are not a H&F resident but want a place here, check with the childcare provider for availability first. We need to verify your eligibility, even if your own council has already done so, because H&F will pay for the place.
Eligibility criteria
All children must be 3 or 4 years old.
ALL parents: 15 hours
There are no extra requirements to get this funding.
Working parents: 30 hours
You and any partner you live with must each:
- work at least 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage
- earn less than £100,000 each year
You or your partner might still qualify if you are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave. You may also be eligible if you cannot work due to a disability or caring for someone.
See Check you're eligible for free childcare if you're working on GOV.UK
Make an application
The process is different for 15 hours compared to 30 hours.
Apply for 15 hours only
Contact the childcare provider you would like to use. Check if they have a space and show them proof of your child's age.
Your childcare provider will inform the H&F early years team to fund the place.
Apply for 30 hours for working parents
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) manages applications for working parents.
If you qualify for the funding, you will get an eligibility code. Give the code to your chosen registered childcare provider as soon as possible. Ask them to check the code is valid when they receive it.
If your child gets a place in H&F, your childcare provider will inform the H&F early years team to fund the place.
Apply for free childcare if you are working on GOV.UK
Foster carers
Foster carers have a separate application process for a code. Speak to your social worker for more details.
Application deadlines
HMRC sets application deadlines for each term. Apply at least 6 weeks before the new term to avoid any issues with codes.
Before your child starts their funded place
To secure your funded place follow the guidance below.
Working parents: Ensure your code is valid
Before your child starts their funded place, ask your childcare provider to confirm your code is valid.
You will also need to ensure you renew your code every 3 months on GOV.UK.
All parents: Sign the Parental Declaration Form
Your childcare provider will give you a Parental Declaration Form to sign. This allows them to get the funding from the council.
Please confirm your information is correct and that you understand the conditions, including:
- regular attendance is needed
- informing your childcare provider of any planned holidays and absences.
The amount of EYPP in H&F is up to £570 for the year 2025/26.
See Get extra funding for your early years provider on GOV.UK
The amount of EYPP is £378 for the financial year 2024/25.
Working parents can save more on their childcare costs
Working parents can use one of these schemes to pay for extra childcare hours or services. You can use this in addition to the 30 hours funding.
- Tax-Free Childcare on GOV.UK
- Universal Credit childcare costs on GOV.UK (if you claim Universal Credit)
Students
Students can receive help with childcare costs. This support comes from the government, their school, college, university, or training provider.
Go to Help with childcare costs while you study.
Help identifying what you can get and when
Fill out a short form on the Childcare Choices website. This will show which childcare schemes you can access now and in the future. You can also sign up for updates on how and when to apply for childcare costs support.
Find childcare that fits your needs
See our guide to Childcare options for under 5's.
It includes information on:
- the different types of childcare providers
- key points before securing childcare
- childcare and funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Contact details
For questions about applying for the 30 hours for working parents, eligibility, or HMRC codes, contact the Childcare service helpline on GOV.UK.
For the H&F early years team, email the funding officer renee.daley@lbhf.gov.uk or eyfservice@lbhf.gov.uk