Funded childcare
15 hours of funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds
Families in Derbyshire with a 2-year-old may qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare per week if they receive certain benefits or meet low-income thresholds.
The 15 hours are available for 38 weeks (term time) or a total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider.
Some providers will allow you to 'stretch' the hours over more weeks, using fewer hours per week.
To be able to take up 15 hours of free childcare for your 2-year-old you, or your child, must meet the eligibility criteria for low-income families
15 hours of funded childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds
All families in Derbyshire with a child aged 3 or 4 can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
The 15 hours are available for 38 weeks (term time) or a total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider.
Some providers will allow you to 'stretch' the hours over more weeks, using fewer hours per week.
Find out more about funded childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds.
30 hours funded childcare for working parents
If you're a working parent and your child is 9 months and above, you may be able to receive 30 hours of funded childcare a week. Working parents includes employed, self-employed and workers on a zero-hour contract.
The 30 hours are available for 38 weeks (term time) or a total of 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider.
Some providers will allow you to 'stretch' the hours over more weeks, using fewer hours per week.
Applications are made to HMRC via a Government Gateway account, and families must meet the eligibility criteria
Find out about the eligibility criteria for funded childcare.
Additional help towards childcare costs
Tax-free childcare (age 0 to 11)
Tax-free childcare is for working families, including the self-employed, in the UK, who:
- expect to earn on average at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage over the next 3 months
- have adjusted net income not exceeding £100,000 a year
- aren't receiving Universal Credit, or childcare vouchers
- have children aged 0 to 11 (or 0 to 16 if disabled)
For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year.
It can be used to pay for registered providers, including breakfast, after-school, and holiday clubs.
It can be used alongside the 15 and 30 funded hours for any additional hours needed.
Find out more about tax-free childcare.
Universal Credit (0 to 16)
For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17 who aren't receiving tax-free childcare.
You can claim back up to 85% of your eligible childcare costs.
It can be used alongside the funded hours for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds for any additional hours needed.
Find out more about Universal Credit and childcare.
Support while you study
You may be able to get help with childcare while you study. Schemes include:
Find out more about help with childcare while you study.
Check which scheme you would qualify for
If you're not sure which scheme would be right for you, you can check what help you could get with childcare costs.
You can also use Childcare Choices to find out more about the schemes available.
Contact the Families Information Service (FIS)
If you have any questions about the different childcare offers and your eligibility, please get in touch with the families information service: