The current offer as at September 2024:
All parents / carers with a 3 - 4 year old can receive 15 hours of funded childcare the term after the child’s 3rd birthday. There is no requirement for a code for this funding just speak to your chosen childcare provider to check their availability and they will apply on your behalf.
Eligible working parents / carers of children aged 3 - 4 can get an additional 15 hours of childcare support, bringing the total support they can get up to 30 hours a week. To receive this you must apply here: How to apply for help with childcare for working parents | Childcare Choices
Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years old can also access 15 hours of childcare support. The funding starts the term after the child reaches the appropriate age.
To receive this funding you will need to apply for a code. Further details and how to apply is available here: How to apply for help with childcare for working parents | Childcare Choices
All codes issued via childcare choices need to be reconfirmed every 3 months. This can be done in your childcare choices account. Please ensure you apply for your code prior to the term you wish your child to access a place as there are specific deadlines for codes to be issued.
Some parents of 2 year old children may also be entitled to 15 hours childcare support, if they receive some additional forms of government support. Please note, if you’re eligible for both the working entitlement and the 15 hours for families receiving support, you cannot take up both offers, and should apply for the 15 hours for families receiving support. You can do this by contacting York Families Information Service (FIS). Tel: 01904 554444 or email: fis@york.gov.uk
All funding is available for 38 weeks of the year. You may be able use your hours for up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week (this is known as stretching), however you will need to check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare whilst claiming your 15 or 30 hours of childcare support to support with paying for additional hours.
Providers may ask for additional charges on funded hours for consumables such as nappies, trips, additional activities. Please check with your provider around charges when you initially enquire about a place. These should be clearly explained and invoices should reflect funded hours and any additional charging.
From September 2025
Eligible working parents of children from 9 months to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.
If you will be new to funding you must apply for your code before 31st August 2025.
Like the existing offer, depending on your provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year, or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week.
Further details will be available here: Homepage | Childcare Choices