New free childcare rules: What is available and how do I apply?

Parents of two year old children in England now qualify for free childcare, in new rules which came into force on 1st April. But what exactly is being offered to parents and how do they apply? Here's what you need to know.

Some free hours for certain age groups were already available but now, the government's new scheme will see all under fives included from 2025 - but the rollout is happening in stages. Previously, three and four year olds could get 30 hours of free childcare each week. Now, working parents can get 15 hours for two year olds from April 2024, which will be extended to nine month olds from September 2024.

To qualify for the new hours, the majority of parents must earn more than £8,670, but less than £100,000 per year. Parents are urged to apply online as soon as possible - before the term when their child will become eligible. Applications for parents of nine-month-olds open on 12th May for the September term.

While working parents will benefit from the scheme, critics have raised the early years sector may struggle to cope.