Great news for working parents! From September 2025, the government is expanding access to funded childcare for younger children. Families with two-year-olds can now benefit from 30 hours of free childcare each week, covering full-time hours at Stepping Out Preschool — 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.
This boost in childcare funding can significantly reduce the cost of early education while offering vital support to families juggling work and parenting.
What Does the New Childcare Funding Cover?
From September 2025, eligible working parents of 2-year-old children can access 30 hours of funded childcare during term time. This equates to six hours a day, five days a week — the same as full-time hours at Stepping Out Preschool.
Flexible childcare support for modern families
This initiative is ideal for:
- Parents working from home
- Part-time employees
- Shift workers
- Families with informal childcare support from relatives
The core 9am–3pm hours fit neatly into most working routines, making it easier for parents to manage their careers while giving their children a high-quality early education.
How to Apply for Childcare Funding
To benefit from this childcare funding, you must apply through the Government Gateway. You’ll need to do this by mid-August for a September 2025 start, and by mid-December for a January intake. It’s best to apply early to avoid delays in securing your funded place.
👉 Check your eligibility here: gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible
Who qualifies for the new childcare support?
You may be eligible if:
- You and your partner (if applicable) are working
- Each of you earns at least £183 per week (16 hours at minimum wage)
- You earn less than £100,000 per year individually
The eligibility criteria are designed to support working families, including the self-employed. If you’re unsure, the eligibility checker linked above is a quick and simple way to find out.
Stepping Out Preschool: Supporting Families Through the Process
At Stepping Out Preschool, we understand that navigating new government schemes can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to the UK, new to the local area, or speak English as an additional language.
Personalised help with your childcare application
Our experienced staff are here to help every step of the way. We offer:
- Guidance with the online application process
- One-on-one support for families who need help understanding the system
- Multilingual support and simplified explanations for non-native English speakers
We’re committed to making the childcare process stress-free and inclusive for all families.
Why Choose Stepping Out Preschool for Your Childcare Needs?
With a warm, nurturing environment and experienced staff, Stepping Out Preschool offers a safe and stimulating space for your child to learn, grow, and thrive. Our term-time hours (9am to 3pm) allow children to benefit from routine and structure — all while receiving care aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
Building confidence and preparing for school
Our activities focus on social development, communication skills, and early learning. Your child will make friends, build confidence, and be well-prepared for primary school.
We are rated GOOD by Ofsted and have served our local community with trustworthy, expert childcare for over 20 years.
Don’t Miss Out – Apply for 30 Hours of Free Childcare Today
The September 2025 changes offer a fantastic opportunity to save money and access top-quality childcare in a flexible format that suits working families. But places will fill up fast, so it’s essential to apply on time.
If you’re considering Stepping Out Preschool, we’d love to hear from you. We can walk you through the funding application, answer any questions, and help you secure your child’s place.
📞 Contact us today or visit our website to learn more: www.steppingoutpreschool.co.uk