Applying for free childcare/ nursery hours
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Funding typically comes into effect the term after a child would turn 9 months old. If I can remember off the top of my head to be entitled to the funded hours for feb 2026, you would need to apply when the portal opens up for that term later on in year.
You can start looking at nurseries as there will be waitlists etc, and if your set on one get your baby on the list ready to start. Childcare you can only apply the 30 days before you are due to start work (for the tax free childcare).
The free hours are for working parents, so you need to be working or returning to work within the next month to actually get your free hours. So you’ll have to wait to apply until nearer the time. You can still secure the actual childcare in advance though.
You apply when you need closer to the time they have cut off dates for each term. It will probably be January 26 so you may need to apply in the dec.