Funded childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds

All 3 and 4-year-olds can get 15 hours of funded 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.

Born on or between	Terms for eligible funding
1 January to 31 March	Summer term (April onwards)
1 April to 31 August	Autumn term (September onwards)
1 September to 31 December	Spring term (January onwards)

You don’t have to apply for the 15 hours funded childcare. Your chosen childcare provider will do it for you.

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

Using your 15 hours funded childcare

You can use your funded 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

30 hours funded childcare for working parents

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

Follow the step-by-step guide to check if you are eligible and apply online.

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More guidance for parents

Read our guide on Funded Early Education Entitlement for 2, 3 and 4 year olds (PDF, 228.66 KB) for more information and advice.

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