Government-funded Childcare in 2025
If you’re a working parent, you’ve likely heard about the government’s big plans for free childcare. It sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for under-fives by 2025. But here’s the catch: places are already becoming scarce, and not everyone knows the steps to secure their spot in time. That’s where this article comes in.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make sure your child gets the care they need when you need it. From why nursery spots are shrinking to exactly when and how to claim your free hours—this is the guide every parent needs to read today, not tomorrow.
At Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, we’ve expanded our teams and child spaces to help meet the rising demand, but spaces are filling up fast. Whether your little one is starting nursery this January or not until later in 2025, the key is planning ahead.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do to secure your spot, save money, and avoid unnecessary stress. Because, let’s be honest, parenting has enough surprises already. Ready? Let’s dive in.
First things first: If you have a child starting nursery in January 2025 you need to claim your code by December 31st (and please dont leave it that late and risk websites being down or other technical issues)
Apply Online: Visit the Childcare Choices website to apply. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a code to give to your childcare provider.
Is it Free Childcare?
Whilst at Mama Bear's we prefer to call it 'funded' childcare, as taxpayers are subsidising the fees, the common terminology is, including reputatble sources such as the BBC are calling it "Free Childcare". Who are we to argue?
Why Are Childcare Places Decreasing?
If you’ve ever felt like finding a good nursery spot is harder than finding a needle in a haystack, you’re not alone. Here’s the truth: demand for childcare in the UK is about to skyrocket. And while the government’s free childcare scheme is fantastic news for parents, it’s also creating a few headaches.
So, why are places running out so quickly? Let’s break it down:
1. Demand Is Surging
The phased rollout of free childcare means more parents are eligible than ever before. Starting in April 2024, parents of two-year-olds could claim 15 free hours a week. By September 2024, this expanded to babies as young as nine months. And come September 2025, all under-fives can claim up to 30 hours a week.
That’s brilliant, right? But here’s the challenge: there simply aren’t enough nurseries and childminders to meet this sudden spike in demand.
2. Nurseries Are Facing Staffing Struggles
For nurseries to open more spaces, they need more qualified staff. But recruiting skilled childcare workers isn’t easy. The Department for Education estimates that 35,000 additional staff will be required by 2025, and right now, many nurseries are already stretched thin.
3. Space Is Limited
Adding more childcare spots isn’t as simple as just squeezing in another few chairs. Regulations mean nurseries need adequate space and facilities for every child. A survey of councils has revealed that less than a third have enough places for children under two, and expanding those numbers takes time and money.
What This Means for You
Here’s what’s in it for you: understanding the situation means you can take action now to avoid disappointment later. By securing your child’s place early, you’ll sidestep the last-minute scramble many parents will face as 2025 approaches.
We’re not saying this to add stress to your life. Quite the opposite. By planning ahead, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your little one is all set for the future, leaving you free to focus on your family and work.
Still wondering how this affects you? Let’s move on to the practical steps you can take to make sure your family gets the care it needs. Spoiler alert: it starts with timing.
How to Claim Your Free Childcare Hours (Before It’s Too Late!)
Here’s the thing about free childcare: it’s not truly free unless you claim it—and claim it on time. Missing the deadlines or not understanding the process could mean losing out on a huge financial benefit. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down exactly how and when to claim those precious hours.
Who’s Eligible?
First, let’s clear up any confusion. Not everyone qualifies for free childcare, so it’s important to check the criteria:
- Income: You need to earn between £9,518 and £100,000 annually.
- Working Hours: It doesn’t matter if you work part-time, as long as you meet the income range.
- Benefits: Certain benefits, like Universal Credit, may also make you eligible.
If you’re still unsure, there’s a handy government eligibility checker online to confirm your status.
When Can You Claim?
The timeline matters more than you might think. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Starting Nursery in January? Apply Now For Your Code!
Don’t leave it until the holidays when everyone else is rushing. If your child is set to start nursery at the beginning of the year, you need to secure your code now. - Starting Nursery in February or March? Get Ready in the New Year!
Applications and codes for spring starters should be your New Year’s resolution. Mark it on your calendar now—because we all know how fast January flies by. - Planning for September 2025? Don’t Wait Until 2025!
Yes, it feels far away, but nurseries are already taking registrations. Early birds get the worm—and the peace of mind.
How Do You Apply?
The process is simpler than you might expect, but it does require you to stay on top of things:
- Apply Through the Government Website: You’ll need your National Insurance number and some details about your income.
- Get Your Code: Once approved, you’ll receive a code. This is your golden ticket to free childcare.
- Provide the Code to Your Nursery: Share it with your chosen provider before your child’s start date.
- Reconfirm Every Three Months: To keep the free hours flowing, you need to reconfirm your details quarterly.
Don’t Forget the Extras
While your childcare hours are free, some nurseries may charge for additional items like meals, nappies, or special activities. These extras are optional, and you can often provide your own to keep costs low. It’s always worth asking what’s included to avoid surprises.
Why Timing Is Everything
Here’s what’s in it for you: getting this right now means avoiding stress later. You’ll save money, secure a space for your child, and dodge the panic when spots start running out. More importantly, you’ll know you’re giving your little one the best possible start, without the financial worry.
Not sure where to find a nursery with available spaces? Stay with us—Mama Bear’s Day Nursery has a solution that might just be perfect for your family. Let’s talk about how we’re preparing to help parents like you.
How Mama Bear’s Day Nursery Is Ready to Help You
Finding a nursery spot shouldn’t feel like a competitive sport. At Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, we understand how stressful it can be to balance work, family, and the rising cost of childcare. That’s why we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure we’re ready to support families like yours during this period of high demand.
1. Expanded Spaces in Prime Locations
We’ve listened to parents and made it our mission to meet the growing need for childcare. Across most of our locations, we’ve added:
- More Places: Whether your child is starting in 2024 or 2025, we’ve increased our capacity to welcome more little ones.
- Additional Team Members: Our nurseries are staffed with passionate, qualified childcare professionals, so your child gets the attention and care they deserve.
But here’s the key: these spaces are filling up fast. As more families become eligible for free childcare, demand continues to rise. Waiting could mean missing out on the perfect spot for your little one.
2. Flexible Options for Your Family’s Schedule
We know that every family’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer flexible options to suit you:
- Term-Time or Year-Round Care: While free childcare hours are typically spread across 38 weeks (school terms), we also offer stretched schedules, giving you fewer hours per week but coverage over 52 weeks.
- Convenient Drop-Off and Pick-Up Times: Because we know your mornings and evenings can be a juggle, we work with you to make it easier.
3. Clear and Transparent Costs
Let’s talk about those optional extras. At Mama Bear’s, we believe in being upfront about costs:
- Optional Add-Ons: Meals, nappies, and trips may incur additional charges, but these are always clearly explained. You’re also welcome to bring your own supplies to keep costs manageable.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you get—because the last thing any parent needs is an unexpected bill.
4. A Warm and Nurturing Environment
What’s in it for you? Peace of mind. When your child is with us, they’re not just looked after—they’re thriving. Here’s what makes us stand out:
- Tailored Learning Experiences: Every child is unique, and our activities are designed to support their growth and development at their own pace.
- A Home-Away-From-Home: Our nurseries are welcoming, safe spaces where children feel happy and secure, making those drop-offs a little easier for everyone.
What This Means for You
By choosing Mama Bear’s, you’re not just securing a spot for your child—you’re gaining a partner in their early years’ development. We’re here to make your life easier, save you money, and ensure your little one gets the best possible start.
But don’t wait—places are limited, and with the free childcare rollout, they’re going faster than ever. If your child will need a nursery spot, 2025, or beyond, now is the time to register your interest.
In the next section, we’ll talk about what you need to do to secure your place and why acting now could make all the difference. Stay with us!
Why You Should Act Now
Here’s the bottom line: nursery places are in high demand, and they’re only going to get harder to secure as the free childcare expansion rolls out. But here’s the good news: by acting now, you can avoid the panic and give your child the best possible start.
1. Avoid the Last-Minute Rush
As the 2025 deadline for 30 free hours of childcare approaches, more parents will start applying for places. If you wait until the last minute, you risk:
- Losing Your Ideal Nursery Spot: Many nurseries are already filling up for 2025.
- Increased Competition: More parents will be scrambling for the same limited spaces.
By securing your child’s spot today, you’ll have one less thing to worry about—and more time to focus on your family.
2. Lock in Peace of Mind
What’s in it for you? It’s simple: less stress. Knowing your child’s nursery place is sorted means:
- No Worrying About Availability: You’ll be ahead of the rush and secure in the knowledge that your child’s spot is guaranteed.
- More Time to Plan: You can prepare for work or other commitments without the uncertainty of childcare hanging over you.
3. Flexible Options Go Quickly
If you’re looking for specific hours, days, or even term-time-only care, acting early gives you the best chance of getting exactly what you need. Flexibility is a big draw for parents, and those spots are often the first to go.
4. Your Child Deserves the Best Start
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about logistics—it’s about your child. Early years care is about more than keeping them safe; it’s about helping them thrive. By acting now, you’ll ensure your little one gets:
- Access to a Quality Environment: Nurseries like Mama Bear’s provide enriching experiences that build confidence, social skills, and a love of learning.
- Consistency and Stability: Starting nursery on time helps children settle into routines and prepare for school life.
5. Registering Is Easy—But You Have to Start
The process to register your interest is quick and straightforward, but you need to take that first step. At Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, we’re ready to guide you through every part of the journey, from applying for your free hours to choosing the schedule that works best for your family.
What’s Next?
Now is the time to act. Don’t wait until nursery places are completely booked up or you’re left scrambling for options. By registering your interest today, you’re making sure your child gets the care they need when they need it.
Click here to register with Mama Bear’s Day Nursery or contact us at Head Office on 0117 958 2030 for more information. Let’s get your little one ready to grow, thrive, and shine.
Your child’s future starts today—don’t let it pass you by.
Conclusion: Secure Your Child’s Future Today
Navigating childcare can feel overwhelming, especially when spaces are limited, and deadlines are looming. But with a little preparation and the right support, you can ensure your child gets the best possible start without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
Here’s the deal: the free childcare expansion is a game-changer for families, but it’s also creating high demand. Waiting until the last minute means risking your ideal nursery spot, added stress, and missed opportunities for your little one.
At Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, we’ve worked hard to expand our spaces and hire more brilliant team members to meet the growing demand. But spaces are filling fast, and we don’t want you to miss out.
By acting now, you’ll:
- Secure your child’s place in a trusted nursery environment.
- Avoid the last-minute scramble as demand increases in late 2024 and 2025.
- Gain peace of mind knowing your little one’s care is sorted.
It’s simple: taking a few moments to register your interest today could save you months of worry later.
So, what’s your next step? Click here to register with Mama Bear’s Day Nursery or contact us at Head Office on 0117 958 2030 to learn more about your options. Our friendly team is ready to help you every step of the way.
Your child deserves the very best start in life. Let’s make it happen together. Don’t wait—start now.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About Free Childcare in the UK
1. What is the 15-hour funded offer and 30-hour offer?
The 15-hour funded offer provides eligible parents with 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week. It is available for children aged two and above, depending on eligibility criteria. The 30-hour offer expands this provision to 30 hours per week for parents of children aged nine months to five years by September 2025.
What’s in it for you? These hours reduce your childcare costs significantly, giving you more time to work or pursue other commitments without worrying about hefty childcare bills.
2. Who is eligible for the 30-hour offer?
To qualify for the 30-hour offer, you must:
- Be earning at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for 16 hours per week.
- Have a household income below £100,000 per parent.
- Have a child within the age of eligibility (starting from nine months in September 2024).
What’s in it for you? Eligible families can enjoy affordable childcare, ensuring your child gets access to quality early education and care while you save on costs.
3. What other forms of government support are available?
In addition to the 30-hour offer, families with children can explore:
- Tax-Free Childcare: Open a Tax-Free Childcare account to get 20% off childcare costs. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per year.
- Childcare vouchers: For parents already using these schemes, they can still offer savings on costs.
- Tax credits and Universal Credit: Eligible families can receive support for up to 85% of childcare costs.
Why it matters: These options make childcare more affordable and accessible, easing financial pressure on income families.
4. What is the application process for government childcare schemes?
The application process is straightforward:
- Visit the Childcare Choices website or the government gateway to check eligibility.
- Complete the application form with details like income and National Insurance numbers.
- Receive your eligibility code, which you share with your childcare provider.
- Reconfirm your details every three months to keep the code valid.
What’s in it for you? With the right information, you can secure your hours of government-funded childcare quickly and efficiently.
5. What types of childcare providers can I use?
You can use government funding with registered childcare providers such as:
- Day nurseries.
- Childminders.
- Pre-schools.
- Nursery settings in schools.
Why it’s important: This flexibility means you can choose a provider that suits your family’s needs, ensuring access to high-quality childcare.
6. Are there extra costs involved in funded childcare?
While the government covers hours of childcare support, some providers may charge for extras like meals, nappies, trips, or additional childcare hours beyond the funded amount. These costs are optional, and you can provide your own where possible.
What’s in it for you? Knowing what’s included upfront helps you plan and avoid unexpected expenses, keeping childcare affordable.
7. What’s the age of eligibility for free childcare?
The age of eligibility varies:
- Two-year-olds: Eligible for 15-hour funded offer if the family meets specific income criteria or receives certain benefits.
- Children aged nine months to five years: Eligible for 15 or 30 hours based on the rollout plan and household income.
Why this matters: Understanding the age criteria ensures you don’t miss out on valuable support during a critical period of time in your child’s development.
8. How does government funding benefit lone-parent families?
For lone-parent families, government funding offers a brighter future by reducing childcare costs and enabling parents to work or study. It also ensures children receive high-quality childcare in a safe environment.
What’s in it for you? Peace of mind, financial relief, and the opportunity to focus on your goals while your child thrives in a nurturing setting.
9. How do I find a preferred provider?
The Childcare Choices website provides a childcare brochure and advice on childcare funding. It also helps you locate approved providers near you.
What’s in it for you? With clear information, you can easily choose a provider that matches your needs and gives your child the best start.
10. How will the expansion in childcare provision impact availability?
The expansion is expected to create more places, but demand will remain high. It’s estimated that 35,000 new staff will be needed across the childcare sector.
What’s in it for you? Acting early ensures your family secures a place in your chosen setting while the childcare sector adapts to the increased demand.
11. Why is childcare so important for families with children aged under five?
Childcare isn’t just about care—it’s about giving your child a strong foundation for life. High-quality childcare promotes:
- Cognitive and social development.
- Better school readiness.
- A brighter future for families through accessible, affordable care.
What’s in it for you? By choosing the right childcare services, you’re investing in your child’s future and freeing up time to focus on your own career and family goals.
12. Can I stretch my funded hours across the year?
Yes, many providers offer stretched funding options, which spread the hours over 52 weeks instead of 38 school term time weeks. This results in fewer hours per week but consistent coverage throughout the year.
Why this matters: It’s perfect for families who need childcare year-round rather than just during term time.
13. What’s the future of childcare funding?
The government scheme aims to provide affordable access to childcare, reduce the costs of childcare for families, and increase employment opportunities for parents.
What’s in it for you? A clear pathway to balancing family life and work, giving you more control over your finances and your time.