Early education and childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds

The government funds up to 15 hours of free childcare. Any hours above this must be paid by the parent or carer.

All 3- and 4-year-olds can receive up to 570 hours a year of early education and childcare, often called Universal Entitlement. This is spread across three funding blocks, with a maximum of 15 hours a week.

Working parents may be able to claim additional hours to support with childcare costs, known as 30 hours, extended entitlement.
Apply for additional hours: Gov.uk-childcare-account

As a parent it is your responsibility to check your eligibility, Once your eligibility has been confirmed you will be issued with a 11-digit number from the HMRC, this must be given to the Preschool by you, the parent, in order for us to validate your eligibility.

In order for your funding to be claimed for the Next Term, your 11-digit number MUST be given to the Preschool by 31st August, 31st December &/or 31st March. Failure to do so will mean only 15 hours will be available to you until the next term.

Free early education and childcare for 2-year-olds

If you receive financial support, you could be eligible for funded childcare for your child when they turn 2 (children looked after by the local authority automatically qualify for this childcare).

You can check the current eligibility criteria on GOV.UK.

Children who meet the criteria will qualify for the first full funding block of childcare following their second birthday.

The 3 blocks are:

• 1 September to 31 December
• 1 January to 31 March
• 1 April to 31 August

New Funding Stream

From April 2024 – up to 15 hours funding will be available for eligible working families with a 2-year-old
From September 2024 – up to 15 hours funding will be available for eligible working families with a 9-month-old
From September 2025 – up to 30 hours funding will be available for eligible working families with a 9-month-old up to school age
The funding currently available to 2-year-olds who are disadvantaged or vulnerable will still be available.

We will also need to see your NI number, Childs Birth certificate and a utility bill not less than 3 months old to confirm all funding.

Please check your eligibility for funding and return your relevant codes for 2-year funding and/or 30 hours funding.