From September 2025, the UK government will roll out a major expansion of free childcare hours for working parents. This move significantly increases support for families with children as young as 9 months old, offering up to 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time.
The reform is part of the UK’s broader effort to improve work-life balance, increase employment opportunities, and ease the financial strain of childcare for families.
This update addresses long-standing affordability concerns and aims to help parents—especially mothers—stay in or return to the workforce.
Key Features of the 2025 Childcare Expansion
The new policy reflects a substantial upgrade to the previous childcare model. Here’s a quick look at what’s changing:
Key Details of Free Childcare Expansion – September 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Start Date | September 2025 |
| Eligible Children | Aged 9 months to 4 years |
| Free Hours Provided | Up to 30 hours per week during term time (38 weeks) |
| Parent Eligibility | Annual income between £8,670 and £100,000 per parent |
| Location | England only (Scotland, Wales, NI have different rules) |
| Application Portal | gov.uk/childcare-expansion-2025 |
Who Qualifies for the Free Childcare in 2025?
To benefit from the expanded childcare scheme, parents must:
- Be working or self-employed
- Earn at least £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year (per parent)
- Have a child between 9 months and 4 years old
- Live in England
This represents a major shift from the previous rules, which only applied to children aged 3 and 4, effectively expanding the system to include infants under 1 year old.
What’s Changing Compared to the Old System?
Previous vs. New Childcare Scheme
| Category | Old Scheme (Pre-2025) | New Scheme (From Sept 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Eligibility | 3–4 years | 9 months to 4 years |
| Free Hours Offered | 15 to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours for more families |
| Payment Period | Term time only | Term time only |
| Access & Providers | Limited nursery access | Expanded to private and public settings |
Additionally, nurseries and childcare providers will receive increased government funding to support the greater demand and maintain quality service.
How to Apply for the 2025 Free Childcare Hours
The process is simple and mostly online:
- Visit the Childcare Service portal on gov.uk.
- Log in or create a childcare account.
- Submit your employment details, income info, and child’s age verification.
- Receive a childcare code to give to your registered provider.
- Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months to keep receiving support.
It’s advised to apply early in the term before your child becomes eligible to avoid delays.
Benefits for Families and the Economy
The expansion is expected to deliver a wide range of benefits:
- Save families up to £6,500 per year per child
- Enable more parents to work full-time or return to jobs
- Reduce reliance on Universal Credit or other benefits
- Help promote gender equality in caregiving responsibilities
- Boost employment in the early years sector
This reform is seen as a major win for working families, improving not just financial well-being but also career continuity and child development.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the benefits, experts point to potential challenges:
- Staff shortages in nurseries and childminding services
- Rural areas may struggle to meet increased demand
- Some providers worry that funding levels may not fully cover costs
To address this, the government has committed to additional investment and workforce training in the early years sector throughout 2025 and 2026.
The September 2025 expansion of free childcare hours in England marks a turning point for working parents, making early childcare more accessible and affordable than ever.
While challenges remain, the policy promises major savings, greater work flexibility, and a stronger support system for UK families.
Don’t wait—check your eligibility and apply early to make the most of this vital benefit.
FAQs
What is the age range for children eligible in 2025?
Children aged 9 months to 4 years old are eligible under the new expanded policy.
How many hours of free childcare are offered?
Up to 30 hours per week, during term time (38 weeks per year) for eligible working parents.
Can self-employed parents apply?
Yes, self-employed parents who meet the income criteria are fully eligible for the scheme.