All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 570 free childcare hours per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. You can choose to take fewer hours over more weeks, if your childcare provider offers this option.
This is a universal entitlement for all children there is no need to apply, speak to your childcare provider to let them know you would like to use these hours.
It is available the term after your child turns 3 years old.
These are the general term dates of when your child will be eligible for their 3 and 4 year funding.
| A child born between: | If eligible can access funding from: |
|---|---|
| 1 April and 31 August | 1 September |
| 1 September and 31 December | 1 January |
| 1 January and 31 March | 1 April |
The 15 hours can be used at an Ofsted registered setting such as:
- private day nursery
- pre-school
- childminder
- registered Nanny
- nurseries attached to schools
Additional 15 funded hours
You may be eligible for an additional 15 hours funding, on top of the 15 hours universal funding. This takes your weekly amount up to a maximum of 30 hours.
It is available the term after your child turns 3 years old.
These are the general term dates of when your child will be eligible for their 3 and 4 year funding.
| A child born between: | If eligible can access funding from: |
|---|---|
| 1 April and 31 August | 1 September |
| 1 September and 31 December | 1 January |
| 1 January and 31 March | 1 April |
The 30 hours can be used at an Ofsted registered setting such as:
- full day care (eg nurseries)
- schools
- childminders
- sessional providers (eg playgroups)
- after school clubs
You will need to apply for the extended hours.
You will be issued a code which you need to share with your chosen childcare provider.