Free childcare hours can save Leicester families thousands of pounds each year. Here is everything you need to know about the 15 and 30 free hours schemes in 2025 and how to claim them at HPDN.
1What Government Funding Is Available in 2025?
The UK Government offers free childcare hours to help working families with the cost of childcare. As of 2025, there are three main entitlements: 15 free hours for all 3 and 4 year olds, 30 free hours for working families with 3 and 4 year olds, and 15 free hours for eligible 2 year olds. From September 2025, eligible working parents of children from 9 months will also qualify for funded hours.
215 Free Hours for All 3 and 4 Year Olds
Every child in England is entitled to 15 hours of free early years education per week from the term after their third birthday. This is available regardless of your working status or income level, and runs for 38 weeks of the year. At HPDN, we are an approved provider for this entitlement at both our Leicester nurseries.
330 Free Hours for Working Families
If you and your partner (where applicable) each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage per week, and neither of you earns over £100,000 per year, you may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week for your 3 or 4 year old. This doubles the entitlement and can save families well over £5,000 per year. You must apply through your government childcare account and reconfirm every three months.
415 Free Hours for Eligible 2 Year Olds
Some 2 year olds are also entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. Eligibility is based on family circumstances including receiving Universal Credit (with household income below £15,400 after tax), Income Support, or if your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or receives Disability Living Allowance.
5How to Apply
You apply for your funded hours through the government's Childcare Choices website and the government childcare account. Once approved, you will receive a code to share with your nursery. At HPDN, we handle the rest. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us and we will do our best to guide you through the process.
6We Are an Approved Funded Provider
Both Humberstone Park and Hine Park Day Nursery are fully approved for government-funded childcare. If you would like to find out more or check your eligibility, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help you make the most of every hour available to your family.
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