Quick answer: To get funded childcare hours from January 2027, you must apply for, or reconfirm, your childcare code by 31 December 2026. Babies who turn 9 months old between 1 September and 31 December 2026 can start in January, as long as you apply in time. The government recommends applying by around 19 November 2026 to leave time for checks.
Happy Tree Academy is registered with Ofsted (URN 2743621). You can read our latest Ofsted report on the Ofsted website.
With Christmas in the way, this deadline is easy to miss. Below, we answer the questions parents ask us most. For a full explanation of how the scheme works, read our complete guide to 30 hours free childcare.
When is the deadline for free childcare from January 2027?
The deadline is 31 December 2026. That’s the last day to apply for, or reconfirm, your childcare code if you want funded hours from the term starting on or after 1 January 2027.
The government recommends applying at least six weeks before the deadline, which means around 19 November 2026. That leaves time for HMRC to check your details if it needs more information, and for us to check your code with the local authority before term starts.
Is my child eligible for funded hours from January?
Your child can start funded hours in January if they turn 9 months old between 1 September and 31 December 2026 and you’re a working family, or if they’re already 3 or 4 years old.
Which babies can start funded hours in January?
Children who turn 9 months old between 1 September and 31 December 2026 can start funded hours from January, as long as you apply by 31 December. That’s babies born between roughly 1 December 2025 and 31 March 2026.
You can apply up to 16 weeks before your baby turns 9 months old, so you don’t need to wait.
I already use funded hours. Do I need to do anything?
Yes. Childcare codes must be reconfirmed every three months. If your reconfirmation date falls over the Christmas period, do it early. Log in to your childcare account on GOV.UK to check your dates. HMRC sends reminders, but in a busy December they’re easy to miss.
Can 3-year-olds get free childcare?
Yes. All 3 and 4-year-olds in England can get 15 hours a week of funded early education from the term after their third birthday. You don’t need a code for these 15 hours. Working families may be able to get up to 30 hours a week, which does need a code.
Can 2-year-olds get free childcare?
Some 2-year-olds can get 15 funded hours a week if their family receives certain types of government support. Your local council can tell you if you qualify.
Who can apply for working-parent funded hours?
Most working families in England can apply. You can usually get working-parent funded hours if:
- you (and your partner, if you have one) are working, including if you’re self-employed, on a zero-hours contract or on parental or sick leave
- you each expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage over the next three months
- neither of you has an adjusted net income of more than £100,000 a year
- you live in England
- your child is aged between 9 months and school age
The earnings figures change each April, so the easiest way to check is the government’s childcare eligibility checker.
How do I apply for my childcare code?
You apply online through GOV.UK, get an 11-digit code and give it to your nursery. Here are the 5 steps:
- Gather your details. You’ll need your National Insurance number (or your Unique Taxpayer Reference if you’re self-employed), the date you started work, details of any government support you get, and your child’s birth certificate reference number if you have it.
- Apply online. Use the GOV.UK childcare service. You’ll be asked about your partner’s work and income too.
- Get your 11-digit code. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a code to give to your nursery. If HMRC needs to check anything, it can take longer, which is another reason not to leave it to the last week.
- Give your code to your nursery. Share it with us along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth, so we can check it with the local authority.
- Set a reminder to reconfirm. Put a note in your diary every three months so your code stays valid.
What should I do in November and December?
Apply by mid-November, give your code to your nursery, then check your reconfirmation date before the 31 December deadline:
- By 19 November: apply for your code (the recommended date).
- Late November: give your code to your nursery.
- Early December: check your reconfirmation date in your childcare account.
- By 31 December: the final deadline to apply or reconfirm for the January term.
- January 2027: your funded hours start.
What happens if I miss the 31 December deadline?
Your funded hours will usually start a term later. If you’re applying for the first time and miss 31 December, you’ll usually have to wait until the next term (from April) for your funded hours to start.
If you miss a reconfirmation, you may be able to keep your funded place for a short time. This is called a grace period, and your nursery can tell you if you’re in one. Either way, it’s worth talking to us as soon as possible.
Does Happy Tree Academy offer funded hours?
Yes. At Happy Tree Academy in Northwood, we offer 15 and 30 government-funded hours for eligible families, and we accept childcare vouchers. We care for children from 3 months to 5 years, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm.
Our team is happy to talk you through how your funded hours work alongside any extra sessions you need. You can find more on our government funding page, or book a visit to see the nursery and ask us anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply before my baby is 9 months old?
Yes. You can apply up to 16 weeks before your baby turns 9 months old. Applying early is the best way to make sure your code is ready in time.
Do I need to reapply every term?
No, but you do need to reconfirm your details every three months to keep your code valid.
Is the 30 hours available all year round?
The 30 hours is based on 38 weeks a year (1,140 hours). Some nurseries let you “stretch” it over more weeks with fewer hours each week. Ask us how this works at Happy Tree Academy.
Are funded hours completely free?
The funding covers the hours of childcare. Nurseries can charge for extras such as meals, nappies or optional activities. We’re always happy to give you a clear breakdown.
Questions about your funded hours? Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.
