30 Hours Free Childcare Frequently Asked Questions
The 30 hour extended entitlement can be confusing and overwhelming for a parent.
Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and find details of additional support.
What happens if I am eligible?
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you will receive a unique 11 digit code beginning with either 500 or 114, which you must take to your chosen childcare provider(s)
Your childcare provider(s) will be required to validate your code through their local authority secure system, they need your written consent to do this, along with your national insurance number and your child’s date of birth.
You will be required to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months by making a declaration that you expect your earnings to fall within the required threshold. You will be prompted by text message or email to do this.
You will be required to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months, you will be prompted by text message or email to do this.
Does my childcare provider have to offer the extended entitlement?
It is completely up your childcare provider whether they offer funded places or not. They are under no legal obligation to do so.
Can I use more than one childcare provider?
You can split your funded hours between multiple childcare providers for up to 2 different sites per day. It can be spilt between a childminder, day nursery or pre-school, however, the childcare providers all have to agree with the arrangements.
Have I to inform HMRC if I use more than one childcare provider?
No – number of hours claimed is checked by the local authority.
HMRC are only responsible for checking eligibility.