In England, many families can benefit from up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week, for 38 weeks a year. This starts from the term after your child turns 9 months old and continues until they start school, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
The government's Best Start in Life parent hub contains all you need to know about this scheme - you can check your eligibility and apply online:
- Eligibility – Read through the eligibility criteria to check if you are eligible
- How it works – Find out how this scheme works
- How to apply – Apply for this scheme
- Combining schemes – You might also be able to use this scheme with one of the other childcare costs schemes.
Finding a childcare provider
Visit the Herefordshire Early Years Education and Childcare Directory to search for early education providers in the county who offer funded places or use the government's find free early education and childcare search.