Deadline Approaching To Secure Childcare Funding

Eligible parents and carers across Harborough are being urged to apply for government childcare funding before it is too late.

Youngsters who have turned nine months old since January 1st or will do before the end of March 2025 are entitled to 15 hours free care from April, or 30 hours if a child turned three during that time.

To secure their funding, families must apply, or renew their existing code, before the 31 March deadline.

Jane Moore, Leicestershire County Council’s director of children and families, said: “We urge parents and carers across Leicestershire to take advantage of the funded childcare available.

“With the continued rising costs of living, this additional support can make a real difference.

“It also enables children to develop key skills, socialise and prepare for school through play.”

Since September last year, all children aged from 9 months to 3 years old qualify for 15 hours funding, and children aged three and four qualify for 30 hours. These include parents and carers who are:

• In work, sick leave or annual leave and meet the criteria
• On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
• In a couple where one partner is working and the other receives certain benefits.

Eligible families can receive 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week, during term time, totalling 570 or 1,140 free hours per year.

Parents can check their eligibility and apply now by visiting www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

To find a local childminder, nursery, pre-school or other early years provider in Leicestershire, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/find-a-childcare-provider