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Help with childcare costs - Working Parent Entitlement eligibility code deadline
Published
The Early Years and Childcare team makes families aware of the need to apply by the end of this month for a Working Parent Entitlement (WPE) eligibility code before the following deadline date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 to access funding support from the Spring term 2026 that starts in January 2026.
Do you have a child aged between nine months and four years? Visit www.beststartinlife.gov.uk for the full details of the funding offers available, who qualifies and how to apply.
Working parents could be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare, if they meet meet the eligibility criteria and once their child:
a) reaches nine months of age; and
b) is under compulsory school age.
Parent carers can apply for the Working Parents Entitlement (WPE) funded childcare, via the Best Start in Life website, from when your child is 23 weeks old.
Tax-free childcare is a different scheme to the Working Parent Entitlement, but it can be used alongside this funding. You must apply and renew the two schemes separately every three months to ensure you remain eligible.
You MUST apply for your WPE eligibility code before the deadline on Wednesday, 31 December to access funding support from the Spring term 2026 that starts in January.
Non-working parent carers
There are also other schemes available for non-working parent carers. The term after your child turns two, you could be entitled to up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week, if you are receiving some additional forms of support. The term after your child turns three, and all four year olds, are entitled to receive the universal offer of 15 hours per week.
There are no funding options available for children under two years old for non-working families.
For more information, please visit:
15 & 30 hours support | Best Start in Life
Early Years Funding | Early Years Service
Early Years, Education and Childcare