https://www.childcare.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Kb2bQdhQP-GI07XuOtTqJw0rgt&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxsm3BhDrARIsAMtVz6OsaNVvXk82BqcaaD5qb4wbW1a0n4RFeqapiQXT8FavvCjvZoxXHQMaAmm2EALw_wcB
To add on to what @Charlotte has said it’s 15 hours from the term after they turn 9 months so if your baby was born 1st April onwards … you’ll be entitled to the 15 hours from April 2025 (after the Easter holidays). It’s 15 hours term time, some places will allow you to split it across the year so it’s approx 11.5 hours a week if eligible. IF the government sticks to their plans baby will be entitled to 30 hours from September 2025. But as above, I’d go and visit local nurseries and put your name down at places you like - they should all provide a breakdown of costs. & sign up to tax free childcare scheme x
@Charlotte thank you so much this is really helpful xx
@Amy thank you for your help ☺️
My areas wild (London). I wanted the 15 “free” hours to give nana a rest but it was still going to cost me about £650 mth For TWO DAYS 😣
@Hayley yeah I’ve had a look and mine is the same it’s honestly crazy let alone 3 days a week 🥲🥲
This website helps you to know what you qualify for and when from. https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
You should probably start having a look at different nurseries or childminder settings now, so that you have time to find one that you like. The popular ones will already have no spaces but you could put your name on a waitlist. I’ve linked a website where you can search for options but your local council might also have one for registered childminders/nurseries too. As long as yourself or your partner don’t earn more than £100k per annum you’ll be eligible for the 15 hours free childcare which is good but you’ll need to find a setting which accepts that. It will increase to 30 hours when your little one is 3. Good luck! I’m London based too and my mum is a childminder of 30 years so happy to answer any question if I can x