If your baby will be 9 months old or more by 31st August 2025, you may be entitled to up to 30 hours of government-funded childcare each week.
It’s crucial for parents to be aware of the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds initiative as it significantly eases financial burdens.
Understanding your eligibility for the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds can help ensure your child receives the care they need.
The Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds programme provides essential support to families facing childcare costs.
That’s right — a full working week of nursery care, completely funded for eligible families, as part of the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds initiative. This is part of a nationwide rollout of free childcare for babies and toddlers. At Rowans Nursery in Sutton Coldfield, we’re welcoming families who are ready to take advantage of this opportunity — and we’re here to make the process simple.
This change means that many more families can access Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds, making childcare more accessible.
This programme aims to support families with younger children, ensuring they benefit from the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds.
What’s Changing?
Until recently, free childcare hours were only available for 3- and 4-year-olds. In 2024, the government began extending that support to younger children. And from September 2025, the full offer of 30 hours per week will be available to:
- Working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years, and
- Children who meet the eligibility requirements
Many parents are eager to learn about the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds and how they can benefit from the scheme.
When you apply for the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds, be prepared with your financial information to verify your eligibility.
This means your child can start nursery well before pre-school age — and you can return to work or study with confidence and financial support.
Who Can Get the Free 30 Hours?
To qualify for the 30 hours of free childcare from September 2025, you must:
- Be a working parent — this includes employed and self-employed workers
- Earn more than £8,670 per year (per parent) and less than £100,000
- Have a child who is at least 9 months old before 31st August
- Apply through the Childcare Choices website and get your code before the deadline
If you’re not sure if you qualify, we can help — just get in touch with us here and we’ll guide you through the steps.
Understanding Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds
To use your hours from September 2025, you must apply and get your code by 31st August 2025.
Each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must meet the earnings criteria. This applies whether you work full-time, part-time, or are self-employed.
If you’re not sure if you qualify, we can help — just get in touch and we’ll guide you through the steps.
What Does “30 Hours Funded” Actually Mean?
The government provides up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare during term time (38 weeks per year). That’s around 1,140 hours per year that can be used at Rowans Nursery.
Some families may choose to spread those hours across the full year instead of term time only. We can help you work out the best arrangement for your needs.
You’ll still need to pay for things like meals and extra sessions beyond your funded hours — but the majority of your child’s weekly place can be completely covered.
What Age Does My Child Need to Be?
In addition to applying for the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds, consider how this will benefit your child’s early development.
To use your 30 hours from September 2025, your child must turn 9 months old by 31st August 2025.
To take full advantage of Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds, ensure you are aware of the application deadlines.
If your baby was born:
- Between 1 April and 31 August 2024 → they’ll be eligible from September 2025
- Between 1 September and 31 December 2024 → they’ll be eligible from January 2026
- Between 1 January and 31 March 2025 → they’ll be eligible from April 2026
It’s all based on school term dates — so applying at the right time is important!
How to Apply
Applying is simple — but you’ll need to do it before the term starts.
- Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
- Create an account and check your eligibility
- If eligible, you’ll receive a code to give to Rowans Nursery
- You must do this before 31st August 2025 to use the hours from September
We’ll ask for your code during registration, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Why Families Choose Rowans Nursery
At Rowans Nursery, we’ve been supporting children from as young as 6 weeks for over 30 years. Our Baby Room is specially designed for under-2s, offering:
Utilising the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds can provide peace of mind for working parents.
- A warm, homely space for your baby to explore safely
- A familiar key person to build a strong bond with your child
- Daily routines, sensory play, music, and story time
- A safe outdoor area for fresh air and movement
- Friendly updates for parents, so you always know what your little one’s up to
We know the early months matter. That’s why we make sure babies at Rowans feel secure, loved, and confident from day one.
Want a closer look? Here’s what a typical day looks like at Rowans Nursery.
When Should I Register?
Nurseries across the country are expected to fill up quickly ahead of September 2025 — especially for babies and toddlers. At Rowans, we’re already taking enquiries for autumn 2025 and places will be limited.
If your baby turns 9 months by 31st August 2025, you can apply for funding and secure your place now.
The positive impacts of Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds on early childhood education cannot be overstated.
Don’t leave it until the last minute — spaces in our Baby Room go fast.
Let’s Make a Wonderful Start Together
We know starting nursery can feel like a big step — and this new funding offer is a fantastic opportunity to begin the journey with expert support, trusted care, and minimal cost.
Want to find out more?
📧 info@rowans-nursery.com
📞 0121 354 1752
📍 74–76 Kings Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5AE
We’ll help you understand the funding, choose the right sessions, and welcome your little one with open arms.
To ensure your place, act fast and apply for the Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds as soon as possible.
With the assistance of Free Childcare for 9-Month-Olds, parents can focus on their work without childcare worries.
