Free Funded Hours

If your child is aged two, three or four you may be eligible for free childcare in an early years education setting, this must be an approved childcare setting.  How many hours you are eligible for depends on the age of your child and your family circumstances.  In England your child usually becomes eligible at the beginning of the school term after their birthday.

Two Year Funding

If your child has a disability or has been looked after by your local authority or you are in receipt of some benefits you may be eligible for free childcare for your child.  Find out if you eligible here https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds

Three and Four Year Funding

All three and four year olds can get 15 hours of free childcare a week for 38 weeks a year (570 hours in total) until the child starts reception at school.

Some working families are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare a week for 38 weeks a year (1140 hours in total).  You must be a single working parent, or part of a couple where both parents are in work, find out further details around eligibility criteria here https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare

How you can use your hours

You choose the provider where you would like to use your free childcare, they must be an Ofsted registered childcare provider.  Some providers allow you to use your hours over the full year, for instance 570 over 52 weeks rather than 38.  Some providers will also let you pay for additional hours.