All 3 to 4 year olds in England can get up to 570 funded hours per year from the term after your child turns 3 years old through to starting school. This is 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.
It's available at participating:
- full day care (e.g nurseries)
- schools
- childminders
- sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
- Sure Start Children's Centres
- after school clubs
If at any point, you start work after your child has turned the relevant age, meaning you meet the income threshold for 30 hours childcare, you will need to apply. Find more information about the 30 hours childcare for eligible working families in England.
Start date
The offer will start from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child's 3rd birthday.
| If my child turns 3 years old between | I can access their funded hours from |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January |
What the entitlements cover
Government funding is intended to pay for 15 hours a week of high quality, flexible childcare for all 3-4 year olds. The 15 hours must be able to be accessed free of charge to all parents. You can use this offer alongside the working parent entitlement to receive a total of 30 hours, if you are eligible.
Government funding does not cover
- meals
- nappies
- additional hours
- additional activities, such as trips
So you might be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.