Many families in England may be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year. Eligible children can access funded childcare from the term after they turn 9 months old until they start school, provided their parents meet the government's eligibility criteria.

You can check whether you are eligible and apply online through the government's  Best Start in Life parent hub which provides information about childcare support and funding options for families.

Find out more and apply

• Eligibility – Check whether you meet the government's eligibility criteria.
• How it works – Learn how the 30 hours childcare offer is delivered and when funding starts.
• How to apply – Apply online through the government's childcare service.
• Combining schemes – You may be able to use this offer alongside other childcare support schemes to help reduce your childcare costs further.

Visit the government's Best Start in Life Parent Hub to check your eligibility and apply online.

Finding a childcare provider

If you are looking for a childcare provider in Herefordshire, you can search the Herefordshire Early Years Education and Childcare Directory to find providers offering funded early education places. You can also use the government's childcare search tool to find registered providers in your area.

Search for childcare providers:

• Herefordshire Early Years Education and Childcare Directory – Find local childcare providers offering funded places.
• Government childcare search – Search for registered providers and free early education places across England.

Using these directories can help you find a provider that best meets your child's needs and has funded places available.