How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in Wales

Nursery Funded Hours in Wales
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By Steven Clarke

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In Wales, parents may be entitled to free childcare support for children aged 3 to 4 under the Childcare Offer for Wales. Some additional support is available for younger children depending on your location and circumstances.

This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, and includes links to all 22 local authority websites in Wales to help parents access childcare support.

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Who Is Eligible for Free Childcare in Wales?

3 and 4-Year-Olds – The Childcare Offer for Wales

Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds in Wales can access:

  • Up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for up to 48 weeks a year

  • This includes 10 hours of early education and up to 20 hours of childcare, depending on your childcare provider and local offer

Eligibility Criteria

You may be eligible if:

  • You live in Wales

  • Your child is aged 3 or 4

  • You and your partner (if applicable) earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at minimum wage and less than £100,000/year

Apply via the Childcare Offer for Wales.

Younger Children

Some local authorities also offer:

  • Flying Start: Free part-time childcare for children aged 2 in specific postcodes/areas

  • Foundation Phase Nursery: Some councils provide early education from age 2.5–3 on a part-time basis

Check with your local council for regional schemes and support

How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in Wales

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check Your Eligibility
    Use the Childcare Offer for Wales website to confirm eligibility.

  2. Find a Registered Provider
    Use Nuuri to search for nurseries and childcare providers across Wales.

  3. Apply Online or Through Your Local Council
    Each Welsh council manages the scheme slightly differently. Some use the national portal, others manage applications locally.

  4. Submit Required Information Typically, you will need:

    • Your National Insurance number
    • Child’s date of birth
    • Proof of employment/income

  5. Await Confirmation and Start Date
    You will be notified when your funded place begins and how many hours are available with your chosen provider.

Local Authority Links for Wales

We’ve linked each of Wales’ 22 councils to help you access local childcare application info:

Blaenau Gwent | Bridgend | Caerphilly | Cardiff | Carmarthenshire | Ceredigion | Conwy | Denbighshire | Flintshire | Gwynedd | Isle of Anglesey | Merthyr Tydfil | Monmouthshire | Neath Port Talbot | Newport | Pembrokeshire | Powys | Rhondda Cynon Taf | Swansea | Torfaen | Vale of Glamorgan | Wrexham

Additional Tips for Parents in Wales

  • Apply as early as possible to ensure a funded place at your chosen nursery or childminder

  • If you qualify for Flying Start, your health visitor or local Family Information Service will help with registration

  • Funded hours can be split across multiple approved providers if needed

VIsit our Advice Hub and search for Nurseries in Wales at www.nuuri.co.uk