30 hours free childcare and foster carers

Foster carers will be eligible for 30 hours for the child in their care if it is consistent with the child’s care plan and if the foster carer and partner (if applicable) are working outside their fostering role. 

This is a targeted offer that is supported by the supervising social worker. The process to establish eligibility for foster carers will be managed by the local authority and not HMRC. Foster carers should contact the supervising social worker of the relevant local authority in the first instance.

For more information and to find out how to apply, see below:

• 30 hours for foster parents – flow chart (PDF, 237KB)
• 30 hours free childcare for foster children – application form (Word, 147KB)

Search for childcare providers

Taking your child to an early years setting: information for parents (PDF, 190KB)

See also:

• Free early learning/education
• Childcare options
• Help with childcare costs
• Childcare Brokerage Service
• Children's centres
• Information for childcare providers
• Parenting advice and support