3 and 4-year-olds: 15 hours free childcare for all and 30 hours for eligible working families

In this section you can find out about the free early education entitlements for 3 and 4-year-olds:

15 HOURS FREE CHILDCARE FOR ALL 3 AND 4-YEAR-OLDS 

All 3 and 4 children who are residents in England can access 15 hours childcare support.

How do I apply:
You do not need to apply for the universal entitlement, your childcare provider will do this for you.

When can my child claim these hours?
Your child can claim their hours the term after their 3rd birthday and the entitlement ends when your child starts reception (or reaches compulsory school age if later). 

Can my child claim these hours at any childcare provider?
You can use these hours with any provider registered to this scheme.


     

>> Click here to find a list of nurseries and childminders registered to offer these funded hours

30 HOURS FREE CHILDCARE FOR ELIGIBLE WORKING FAMILIES

If you are working, your child may be able to access and additional 15 hours childcare support.

You may be eligible if:
> You and your partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £183 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage). 

> If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible

> You cannot get the 15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds, if you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 adjusted net income or more.

        
     

>> Click here to find a list of nurseries and childminders registered to offer these funded hours

When could my child start using these hours?

Your child birthday falls between:

> 1 September to 31 December > Start in January (apply from 15 October)
> 1 January to 31 March > Start in April (apply from 15 January)
> 1 April to 31 August > Start in September (apply from 15 June)