Free and funded childcare and early education for 9 month to four year olds

Early years education is an important stage for children where they can flourish and get the best start in life.

Nurseries, Preschools and Childminders are wonderful settings for children to learn and have fun with friends, which supports their development and their overall wellbeing.

Attending childcare can be an exciting and joyful experience for children and can also help provide a routine as they develop their social skills

If you need any help to find a childcare place please contact the Family Information Service or telephone 020 8583 3470.

15 hours

All families in England with 3 and 4 year old children
15 hours of free and funded childcare and early education for 38 weeks
A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use with one or more childcare provider
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

There is no application process for this, but you will need to select a childcare provider.

15 and 30 hours

15 hours free and funded childcare for working families in England with 9 month to 2-year-old children and 30 hours for children aged 3 to 4 years

To be eligible, you (and your partner if you have one) must have a National Insurance number and at least one of the following:

British or Irish citizenship
settled or pre-settled status, or been living in the UK before 1 January 2021 with the right to reside
permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you do not have access.

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage.

You and any partner must each earn less than £100,000 a year each.

In two-parent households, both parents must meet the requirements relating to employment and earnings but only one parent needs to meet the residence requirement.

You may be eligible if:

you and your partner are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance

The funded hours of childcare is for working families in England. Your child will receive:

15 or 30 hours of free and funded childcare and early education for 38 weeks
A total of 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

You will need to have your eligibility checked via an application process. Read the step to step guide on how to apply.

Hear from families who have benefited from 30 hours below: