Availability of Free Child Care To Be Expanded

Eligible families in Hounslow will be able to get up to 30 hours a week

Support is available to parents of children aged 9 months to four years. Picture: Hounslow Council

April 15, 2025

Hounslow Council is expanding the availability of free childcare to working families later this year.

The government funded scheme means that from September 2025, parents of children aged 9 months to four years will be able to access 30 hours of childcare per week if they meet eligibility criteria for working families.

To be eligible, families must each expect to earn a certain amount before tax over the next 3 months:

• £2,380 if you're 21 or older
• £1,788 if you're aged 18 to 20
• £1,331 if you're under 18 or an apprentice

Residents can earn up to £100,000 in adjusted net income annually, but if families earn more than that, they are not eligible. Some residents may still qualify if they are not working but if their partner is, or if the resident receives certain benefits like Carer's Allowance or Incapacity Benefit.

To access this offer, applications must be submitted by Monday, 31 August 2025.

As part of the ongoing effort to enhance support for working parents, wraparound childcare for primary school-aged children is also expanding to provide more childcare places to support families before and after school.

Parents may also be eligible for 20% discount with Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare, which can be claimed alongside their 15 or 30 hours of childcare support, including wraparound care.

This is in addition to the existing childcare offer for parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years 15 hours of childcare per week if they meet eligibility criteria for working families. Parents and carers of 2-year-olds may be entitled to 15 hours of childcare support per week if they receive additional forms of government support. Eligible working parents and carers of 3-4 year-olds can claim 30 hours of childcare support each week during term-time hours.

Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment, said, “I welcome the government’s effort in investing in childcare support for working parents.

"The early years of a child's life have a great impact on their future wellbeing. This support will play a crucial role in allowing parents to balance their work and home lives while ensuring the best possible start for their children. I strongly encourage all families to check their eligibility and take full advantage of the childcare assistance available to them. Families can also reach out to Work Hounslow, the Skills and Employment team, to learn about local live job opportunities, while meeting their needs, including flexible work, help with childcare."

For further information and to apply for childcare support, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

To speak to someone about childcare options, you can contact Hounslow Family Information Service on 020 8583 3470 or email fis@hounslow.gov.uk.