Increased Childcare Funding for Children 9 Months Old Starting this September

May 19, 2025

If your little one is growing fast and you’re planning childcare for the months ahead, now’s the perfect time to check whether you could be eligible for funded childcare – with some exciting changes coming in from September 2025.


At Pendley Day Nursery, we understand how busy family life can be, and we’re here to help make navigating your childcare options as simple and stress-free as possible. 


What’s Changing from September?


From September 2025, working parents of children aged nine months old and over may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week. While this is technically 30 hours for 38 weeks of the year (term time), many nurseries – including Pendley – offer the option to stretch those hours across the full year, giving you greater flexibility and consistency.


You can check your eligibility and find out more on the ChildCareChoices website.


You might also like to read this Government news article dated 12 May 2025: Applications open for 30 hours funded childcare expansion.


“All eligible working parents of children who will be 9 months old before 1 September can apply to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, saving them up to £7,500 a year per child.” 


A Quick Summary of Funded Childcare Support


Here’s a handy breakdown of what’s available by age:


  • From 9 months to 2 years old
    Children aged 9 months to 2 years old currently get 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year. From September 2025 this will increase to 30 hours per week.
  • From 2 years old
    Eligible working families continue to receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare.
  • From 3 and 4 years old
    All families are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare. Eligible working families can receive up to 30 hours. 


Already Using 15 Hours for a 3 or 4 Year Old?


If your child is aged 3 or 4 and you're already using the 15 hours universal entitlement, you don’t need to apply for a new code to receive 30 hours.


Just reconfirm your details every three months through your GOV.UK account. Your existing code will update automatically so you can take up the full 30 hours from September – as long as you’re still eligible.


This reconfirmation process applies only to 3 and 4 year olds. Parents of younger children will need to apply for a code when their child becomes eligible. 


Am I Eligible?


To qualify, you’ll usually need to:


  • Be working (including self-employed)
  • Earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at minimum wage per week
  • Earn less than £100,000 per year, per parent
  • Have a child who meets the relevant age criteria


You can check your eligibility and find out more at

👉 www.childcarechoices.gov.uk 


When you're ready to apply, go directly to

👉 www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/apply-for-free-childcare-if-youre-working


Please note: It is the parents’ responsibility to check for eligibility. Please use one of the links above to find out more.


Funded Places at Pendley Day Nursery


At Pendley Day Nursery, we offer a number of flexible funded places for eligible families. Our friendly and experienced team, led by Nursery Manager Lisa Caller, will support you through the process and help you find the right sessions to suit your needs. Please note, however, that it is the parents’ responsibility to check for eligibility and we are unable to apply for the code on your behalf. 


We provide high-quality care and development opportunities for children aged 3 months to 5 years, in a safe and nurturing environment with plenty of space to Grow, Learn & Develop. Our large indoor and outdoor areas encourage creativity, exploration, and confidence-building at every stage of your child’s journey.


We’re proud to be rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and with glowing Google reviews and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you visit. We’re based in Tring, just off the A41, with plenty of free parking to make drop-offs and pick-ups easy and stress-free. 


Got Questions or Ready to Apply?


Whether you’re already part of the Pendley family or looking for a place for your child this autumn, we’re here to help.


We expect to see an increase in demand as a result of these changes and would like to give our existing parents priority in terms of availability. If parents would like to take advantage of the changes and secure additional hours of childcare, please contact Lisa asap so that we can plan our resources.


Please note, however, that it is the parents’ responsibility to check for eligibility and we are unable to apply for a code on your behalf. 


Telephone or email us on: 01442 967140 / info@pendleydaynursery.com.

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