From September 2025, the UK government is rolling out a major expansion in childcare funding for working families. If you’re a parent of a child under five, you may now be eligible for up to 30 free hours childcare per week, starting the term after your child turns 9 months old.
At Stepping Stones, we’re proud to support local families by offering funded childcare places through this expanded scheme, making high-quality early years education more accessible than ever. We are one of the only nurseries in Nottingham to offer totally free funded spaces – we do not have any additional charges at any age group.
The new 30 hours childcare offer is part of the government’s phased expansion of early years childcare funding in England. Previously, only 3 and 4 year olds were entitled to the 30 hours of free childcare. Now, from September 2025, eligible working families can access 30 hours of free childcare per week for all children from 9 months to school age.
This offer applies across 38 weeks per year during term time, but parents can also choose to stretch the funding over more weeks with fewer hours, depending on the childcare provider’s availability. The stretched offer allows your child to attend for 22 hours a week all year round at no additional costs.
If you’re looking for childcare funding from September 2025, this change can help you save up to £7,500 per year.
To qualify for the 30 free hours childcare, both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must meet the following criteria:
You can also be employed, self-employed, or on maternity/paternity leave, and foster carers may also be eligible in certain cases.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for the new childcare scheme, you can contact our team here at Stepping Stones and we can help guide you through the eligibility requirements.
Applying for 30 hours of free childcare is simple and you can do so by completing our form above to start the process.
It’s important to keep the below deadlines dates for each term in mind, so you can ensure you get your application submitted in time:
At Stepping Stones, we’re proud to offer funded childcare for working parents to help you balance work and family life. We provide a warm, nurturing environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, with nine bright playrooms and four secure outdoor spaces.
Our experienced team are here to support your child’s development and help you understand everything about the new childcare funding from September 2025.
If you’re ready to apply, complete the form above to start the process. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions about eligibility, or to book a visit to see why so many local families choose our day nursery for their childcare.
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