Apply for extended entitlement

How to apply

To use the scheme you must get an eligibility code from the UK Government website, this proves that you are a working family. You will need to receive the code before the start of the term that you want to use it in. For example if you wants your child to start in April (summer term) you must have an eligibility code issued on or before 31 March. You can secure a code the term before you are able to use it, so that you can secure a place at a chosen provider.

If eligible you will be given an Eligibility Reference Number (code). Give this reference number to your chosen childcare provider, who will then ask you to complete the Wokingham Borough Parental Declaration Form.

If you are splitting your funded hours between two providers please give both childcare providers the Eligibility Reference Number and confirm the number of hours to be funded through each provider.

You will have to reconfirm your eligibility through the website on a three-monthly basis.

If your circumstances alter and you are no longer eligible you will enter a grace period before your child’s funding is reduced to the universal 570 hours per year.

Watch a short video which sets out the steps to apply for 30 hours childcare by the Department for Education.

If you have any queries in regards to the online application process please contact the His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Childcare Service helpline on: 0300 1234 097

Do all childcare providers have to offer the extended hours?

Some childcare providers will not be able to offer the extended entitlement due to restrictions on their premises. Others may choose to remain offering the universal offer (15 hours). Individual providers do not have to offer the full day and can select their opening hours to meet local need. If providers are unable to offer the additional hours themselves they may choose to work in partnership with other providers so that the hours are split over more than one setting.