Access the funding

Universal funded childcare

You do not need to apply for the universal hours, the funding is claimed by your childcare provider. They will ask you to complete a form which authorises them to claim for the funding.

You can access the funded childcare in the borough where you live or another borough.

The funding can be used at participating approved childcare settings, this includes:

• school nursery classes
• pre-schools and nurseries
• independent nursery schools
• childminders

Working parents

You will need to set up a childcare account on the UK Government Gateway website. Before you start read about when you need to apply and what you'll need.

Once your application has been approved

You’ll get an 11-digit code in your childcare account.

HMRC will let you know by text or email that the code is in your account.

Give the code to your childcare provider along with:

• your National Insurance number
• your child’s date of birth

Ensure you apply in good time to take your code to your childcare provider before the deadline. We recommend you apply no more than 3 months before you're eligible to claim.

Already have a childcare account

You will need to apply for your code before the start of the term your child takes up their funded hours. For example, if your child turns 3 before:

• 31 August their funding will start in September
• 31 December their funding will start in January
• 31 March their funding will start in April

Take your code to your childcare provider who will need to verify it to confirm your childcare place. 

It is recommended that parents do this by July, November and February.

Reconfirm your eligibility

You will be asked to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months to continue to receive your child's funding. To do this log into your childcare account on the UK Government Gateway website.