30 Hours Free Childcare
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare e.g. 15 hours per week for 38 weeks.
Families of 3 and 4-year-olds who meet the eligibility criteria may also be entitled to an additional 570 hours of free childcare, a total of 1,140 hours e.g. 30 hours per week for 38 weeks.
9 Months to 3 Years
From September 2025 eligible working families with a child aged 9 months up to 3 years old, can now access up to 30 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year.Application Process
The application process will remain the same as the current 30 Hour offer for 3 and 4 year olds with HMRC determining eligibility.
Parents with an age eligible child can apply to HMRC for an eligibility code. To access the working parent entitlement, families must have been issued with a valid eligibility code and their child must have reached the eligible age.
The eligibility code must then be given to the Childcare Provider the term before you wish to commence your child’s place to enable them to check the code.
The Best Start in Life website brings together all of the existing childcare offers in one place, so parents can find the right offer for their family.
Visit the Best Start in Life website to check what offer you might be eligible for: Childcare & Early Years Education | Best Start in Life
Changes from September 2025
Eligible working families with a child between 9 months to 3 Years old, the entitlement will increase to 30 hours of free childcare over 38 weeks of the year.
To find out more and make an application please visit: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education
Once you have received your Eligibility Code, please click below to search for childcare in Tameside and register your interest with a Provider.
Don’t delay! To ensure you receive your Eligibility Code in plenty of time it is advised to apply at least a month before the final deadline:
When can your child access their funding?
| A child turning 9 months old between: | Can access 30 funded hours from: | Apply by: |
|---|---|---|
1 January and 31 March |
The term starting on or after 1 April |
31 March |
1 April and 31 August |
The term starting on or after 1 September |
31 August |
1st September and 31st December |
The term starting on or after 1 January |
31 December |
Not all children will take up their funding at the same time, you must ensure that you apply for your eligibility code the term before you want to use it.
For 30 hours in April you must get your code before 31st March 2026
30 Hour and Tax Free Childcare
Working families who meet the eligibility criteria may be able to receive both 30 hours of free childcare and Tax Free Childcare. For further information and to apply, please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Where can I get further information?
Guide to Free Early Education and Childcare - Tameside MBC or contact Families Information Service on 0161 342 4260