Early education and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

All three and four year olds get 15 hours of early education per week for 38 weeks a year.

When can my child get their 15 hours?

If you child goes to an Ofsted registered day nursery, preschool, independent school or some childminders, they will get their funding as follows:

• children born between 1 January and 31 March are eligible from the Summer term after Easter holidays (April).
• children born between 1 April and 31 August are eligible from the Autumn term (September).
• children born between 1 September and 31 December are eligible from the Spring term (January).

30 hours childcare

You may be able to get up to 30 hours free childcare if your child is 3 to 4 years old.

• children born between 1 January and 31 March are eligible from the Summer term after Easter holidays (April).
• children born between 1 April and 31 August are eligible from the Autumn term (September).
• children born between 1 September and 31 December are eligible from the Spring term (January).