Working families across the borough of Rochdale are being reminded to check their eligibility to claim 30 hours of free childcare ahead of the government’s upcoming rollout on 1 September 2025.
Under the new offer, eligible parents with children aged from 9 months will now be able to claim this entitlement until their child starts school.
This expands on the existing 15 free hours currently available to families with children aged 9 months to 2 years, with those in work and earning up to £100,000 a year now entitled to more funded hours.
In line with the existing offer, families will also have the opportunity to use their hours over 38 weeks of the year (during school term time), or up to 52 weeks if they choose to use fewer than the total weekly hours and their childcare provider is in agreement.
With childcare costs creating one of the biggest financial pressures for most working families, it is important households check if they can claim as this has the potential to save thousands of pounds a year in childcare.
Families have until 31 August 2025 to check their eligibility and complete an application in time to receive the new entitlement from September.
Councillor Rachel Massey, portfolio holder for children’s services and education, said:
“The new offer of 30 hours of free childcare for working families is incredibly important and is one that many households across our borough have eagerly awaited its introduction.
“The new entitlement provides a vital lifeline of support for thousands of families who already pay childcare fees and it will go a long way in reducing their monthly bills.
“I strongly encourage all families to check their eligibility, if they haven’t done so already, as we do not want you to miss out on this offer ahead of September so go online today and check.”
Working families who currently receive 15 hours of free childcare, if their child is between 9 months and 2 years old, are also being reminded to reconfirm their childcare choice codes as normal, if they haven’t already done so.
This is to ensure their codes continue to work as the offer expands to 30 hours in September. This is also on the provision that they are still eligible and their childcare provider has confirmed their child’s new attendance pattern for increased hours.