Parents of children aged nine to 23 months can now sign up for 15 hours of free childcare

Parents with children between nine and 23 months can now sign up for 15 hours of free childcare per week. The Government first announced the change to the Spring 2023 Budget – but now an update on the free childcare extension scheme has been shared.

Earlier this year, the scheme opened to parents of two-year-olds, offering 15 hours of childcare. The second phase will be launched in September and will allow working parents with children aged nine months to 23 months to sign up now for the 15 hours.

According to? the government has warned that some providers have waiting lists of more than six months, so parents are encouraged to act now to secure their place if they have a preferred provider.

From September 2025, the government plans to provide all children under school age with 30 hours of free childcare per week. You can visit the government’s Childcare Choices website to find out more.

How to apply

You can apply on the government website. Here’s what you need to apply:

• You’ll need your National Insurance number to hand (or your unique taxpayer reference if you’re self-employed)
• The date you started or are going to start work
• Details of any government support or benefits you receive
• Your child’s UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one).

Once you apply, you will receive a code to give to your childcare provider. These codes must be renewed every three months to reconfirm eligibility.

If you’re applying for childcare to start in September 2024, the government recommends you contact your preferred provider now to check when they’ll need your code.