Free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds

All 3 and 4-year-olds can get 15 hours of free early learning a week until they go into Reception class or reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday).

About the funding

Funding is available from the term after your child turns 3.

You don’t have to apply for the 15 hours free childcare. Your chosen childcare provider will do it for you.  You must complete a termly funding form to be eligible for this funding.  Your provider will not be able to claim the funding if you do not complete the funding form by the deadline. 

You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.

Using your 15 hours free childcare

You can use your free 15 hours:

• over a minimum of 2 days or a maximum of 5 days
• for a minimum of 2.5 hours a day and a maximum of 10 hours a day
• over 38 weeks, or pro-rata over a maximum of 52 weeks per year
• anytime between 6am to 8pm, depending on the sessions offered by your chosen provider
• without paying for additional services
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30 hours free childcare for working parents

Working families can get up to 30 hours free childcare for 3 to 4-year olds.

If you can get 30 hours, you'll receive an eligibility code to give to your chosen provider.

Apply online