30 Hours Free Childcare Wales – Eligibility Rules, Funding Limits and Work Requirements
Childcare is a significant consideration for working parents across Wales. With rising living costs and busy work schedules, finding affordable and flexible childcare has become more essential than ever.
The Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer helps ease this burden by providing up to 30 hours of funded childcare for eligible families. But who qualifies, how does it work, and when should you apply?
This comprehensive guide answers all your key questions and explores everything you need to know about the 30 hours free childcare in Wales, including eligibility, work requirements, funding limits, application timelines, and how this offer interacts with other benefits.
What is the 30 Hours Free Childcare Offer in Wales and How Does It Work?
The 30 Hours Free Childcare Offer in Wales is a government-funded scheme designed to support working families with the cost of early education and childcare.
It provides eligible parents with up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for their 3 and 4-year-old children, covering up to 48 weeks per year.
This provision combines two components:
- 10 hours of early education (which is a universal entitlement)
- Up to 20 hours of funded childcare, depending on local authority arrangements
The offer applies during both term time and school holidays, although the allocation differs slightly. During term time, the 30 hours combine education and childcare.
During up to 9 holiday weeks, parents can access 30 hours of childcare alone, with the remaining 4 weeks typically requiring self-funding.
The childcare can be used in registered settings including:
- Day nurseries
- Playgroups
- Childminders
- Welsh-language Cylch Meithrin settings
The flexibility of this offer means that parents can choose how many hours to use weekly (up to the 30-hour cap), but unused hours do not roll over to another week.
Who Is Entitled to 30 Hours Free Childcare in Wales?
Eligibility for the Childcare Offer is determined by a combination of factors, including the age of the child, parental employment status, household income, and residency. Here’s how it breaks down:
Child Eligibility
- Must be 3 or 4 years old
- Must not be enrolled in full-time education
- Must meet local school admissions policies for nursery education
- Be eligible from the term after their third birthday, depending on local authority policy
Parental Eligibility
- Parents must live in Wales
- Each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must:
- Earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage
- Not exceed £100,000 gross income per year
If both parents live in the same household, both must meet the eligibility requirements. The following exceptions also apply:
- Parents on statutory leave (maternity, adoption, paternity, etc.)
- Students enrolled in higher or further education lasting 10+ weeks
- Foster carers and kinship carers (under specific conditions)
Parents with children in full-time reception classes are not eligible for the offer during term time but may still qualify during holidays.
Eligibility Summary:
| Category | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Child Age | 3 or 4 years old |
| Education Status | Not in full-time school placement |
| Parental Work Hours | Min. 16 hours/week (per parent) |
| Income Cap | Less than £100,000 per year (gross) |
| Residency | Must reside in Wales |
| Eligible Carers | Foster carers, kinship carers (if meeting criteria) |
| Holiday Provision | Up to 30 hours/week for 9 weeks per academic year during holidays |
What Are the Work Requirements for Parents to Qualify for Free Childcare?
Parents must meet specific employment and income conditions to access the 30 Hours Free Childcare Offer in Wales, ensuring that the support is directed toward working families who genuinely need financial help with early education costs.
Employment and Income Criteria
The employment conditions ensure that the Childcare Offer supports working families who contribute to the economy but may still struggle with childcare costs.
Each parent must earn a minimum equivalent to 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). The specific income threshold changes annually based on updates to wage levels, but it’s designed to include low-income households working part-time.
Parents who are self-employed or on flexible contracts such as zero-hour contracts are also eligible, as long as their earnings meet the average minimum requirement.
Exceptions and Statutory Leave
If a parent is currently not working due to:
- Maternity, paternity, or adoption leave
- Sick leave or bereavement leave
- Enrolment in a higher or further education course (minimum 10 weeks)
They may still qualify. However, their partner (if applicable) must meet the standard eligibility criteria.
Do Single Parents Have to Work 30 Hours?
No. There is no requirement for any parent to work 30 hours per week. The number of hours worked doesn’t need to match the number of childcare hours claimed.
Instead, what matters is that single parents meet the minimum income requirement (i.e., 16 hours at NMW/NLW), not the 30-hour childcare provision.
How Do You Apply for the 30 Hours Free Childcare in Wales Online?
The application process is fully digital, designed to be accessible and straightforward. One parent (the “lead applicant”) submits the application through the national Childcare Offer platform.
Here’s how to apply:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility using the online tool
- Step 2: Gather required documents (e.g. proof of earnings, National Insurance number, child’s ID and age verification, address)
- Step 3: Register and apply via the official portal
- Step 4: Await email confirmation of approval
- Step 5: Choose a registered childcare provider
- Step 6: Set up an online childcare agreement with your provider
- Step 7: Provider approves your agreement
Once confirmed, your government-funded childcare can begin from the eligible term start date.
When Should You Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare for September 2025 Intake?
Applications should be submitted in advance of the school term your child turns eligible. For a September 2025 start, most families should apply during late spring or early summer 2025.
Each local authority may have slightly different timelines, so it is advisable to check early and allow processing time. Applications are accepted for each academic term separately, autumn, spring, and summer, and approval may take up to 28 days.
If your child turns three during the summer of 2025, and you want to claim the offer from September, ensure your child meets your local school admissions policy for nursery education from that term onward.
Can You Get Free Childcare in Wales for 1 or 2-Year-Olds?
Currently, the 30 hours free childcare offer only applies to 3 and 4-year-old children. However, the government does provide universal early education entitlements and other financial supports for younger children.
Here are the options available for younger age groups:
- 2-Year-Olds: While not part of the 30-hour scheme, some 2-year-olds may be eligible for funded early education based on specific criteria (e.g., low income or additional needs).
- 1-Year-Olds: There is no formal free childcare scheme for this age group under the Childcare Offer. Parents may explore Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit childcare support.
The scheme may expand in the future, depending on government policies and pilot results. Parents of younger children should monitor announcements from their local authority for updates.
How Do You Find and Choose a Registered Childcare Provider in Wales?
To receive the funded hours, parents must select a registered childcare provider who has signed up with the Childcare Offer scheme.
Types of Registered Settings:
Eligible providers include:
- Day nurseries
- Playgroups
- Registered childminders
- Cylch Meithrin (Welsh language playgroups)
Nannies and unregistered carers are not eligible, though there may be other financial supports if they are registered through voluntary schemes.
Checking Provider Status:
You can confirm if a provider is registered via:
- The national childcare offer platform
- Local authority directories
- The Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) database
Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll need to create an agreement online, outlining the number of hours you intend to use.
What Additional Support Is Available for Children With Special Needs?
Children with additional learning or developmental needs may receive further support through the Additional Support Grant. This funding helps childcare providers meet the needs of children with:
- Learning difficulties
- Sensory or physical disabilities
- Medical conditions
- Behavioural or emotional challenges
The grant is not paid directly to parents, but instead allocated to local authorities and childcare settings to fund required adjustments, resources, or specialist staff.
To apply, parents must first be approved for the Childcare Offer. Once approved, the Additional Support Grant process begins via the childcare offer account, and local authorities will coordinate with the provider to determine support levels.
What Costs Are Not Covered Under the 30 Hours Childcare Offer?
While the core funding covers education and care hours, parents may still encounter additional costs. These may include:
- Meals and snacks
- Transport to and from the setting
- Off-site activities and trips
To manage fairness, providers are encouraged to set maximum daily charges. For example:
| Item | Maximum Daily Charge |
|---|---|
| Full Day Meal (incl. lunch) | £10.80 |
| Half Day Meal | £6.90 |
| Transport or Trips | Variable (based on provider) |
Parents are responsible for any additional hours beyond the funded 30, which must be arranged privately with the provider.
Does the Childcare Offer Affect Universal Credit or Other Benefits?
Receiving childcare support through the Childcare Offer can affect the amount of other benefits you receive, particularly Universal Credit childcare payments and Tax-Free Childcare.
Because the government is already funding a portion of your childcare hours, you may see a reduction in what you can claim under Universal Credit, as the system will not pay twice for the same childcare costs.
Tax-Free Childcare may also become less beneficial if the majority of your childcare hours are covered under the Offer.
Parents should carefully review how each benefit interacts before making changes to their claim. If unsure, seeking guidance from a benefits adviser or welfare specialist can help clarify entitlement and prevent accidental overpayments or reductions.
How Can You Contact the 30 Hours Free Childcare Wales Helpline or Support Team?
For any queries, technical problems, or questions regarding eligibility, you can directly contact the Childcare Offer support team.
- Call the Childcare Offer Wales Helpline: 📞 03000 628 628
- Or contact your local authority’s Early Years team
They can assist with:
- Application troubleshooting
- Provider registrations
- Clarifying eligibility
- Guidance on document uploads
Reaching out promptly can prevent delays, especially during peak processing periods. Support teams are trained to guide parents step-by-step, ensuring applications, renewals, and childcare bookings progress smoothly without interruption.
Conclusion
The 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme in Wales offers substantial support for working families. With up to 48 weeks of funded childcare per year, it reduces financial pressure and provides a safe, educational environment for children.
For families that meet the eligibility criteria, this offer is not only worthwhile, it’s a significant opportunity. Applying early, choosing the right provider, and understanding your responsibilities ensures a smooth experience throughout the academic year.
If you’re a parent of a 3 or 4-year-old in Wales, now is the time to explore your eligibility and take advantage of this valuable support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply if I earn just under £100,000?
Yes, as long as your gross annual income is below £100,000, you remain eligible. Exceeding that limit may make you ineligible for the next term.
Are foster carers automatically eligible for the scheme?
Not automatically, but if they meet the employment or income criteria, they can apply like any other parent.
What if I change jobs or stop working after being approved?
You may be granted a temporary “grace period” during which funding continues. After that, your eligibility will be reassessed.
Can the 30 hours be used on weekends or overnight?
Yes, the offer is flexible. You can use hours in the evenings, overnight, or on weekends if the provider offers these services.
Will receiving this offer affect my Universal Credit payments?
It may. The childcare element of Universal Credit might be reduced since the government is already contributing to childcare through this scheme.
How soon can I expect approval after applying?
Processing can take up to 28 days, so it’s important to apply early before the intended start term.
Can I apply for more than one child at the same time?
Yes, you can include multiple children (e.g., twins or siblings) in one application. Each will be assessed individually.
Also Read:
Who is Eligible for 30 Hours Free Childcare from September 2025?
0800 121 4600 – DLA for Children Helpline | Everything You Need to Know
Two Child Benefit Cap Ending Next Year – Is This Confirmed in Budget 2025?
