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Childcare support is expanding, with significant changes coming to 30 hours free childcare in England and Universal Credit childcare offers in England, Scotland and Wales. Click here for more details. 


15 hours funded early education and childcare for 2 year olds

The term after your child turns 2, they may be eligible for 15 hours of funded early education for 38 weeks of the year (term time), if you are in receipt of certain benefits or your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or receives Disability Living Allowance

For more information on current eligibility criteria and to apply, please click here.  


15 hours funded early education and childcare for all 3 and 4 year olds 

All 3 and 4 year old children the term after their 3rd birthday in England are entitled to free 15 hours early education and childcare (570 hours in total per academic year).   

For more information please click here.


30 hours funded early education and childcare for eligible 3 and 4 year olds 

Some children may also be entitled to an additional 15 hours of free childcare, otherwise known as the '30 Hours Childcare' or 'Extended Entitlement'. These additional 15 hours are exclusively for working families that meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information about this offer, please click here.


Tax-Free Childcare 

If you’re a working parent or carer, you can get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year per child) to help with the costs of childcare. If your child has a disability, you can get up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year per child). You can use it to pay for childcare including:

  • childminders,
  • nurseries and nannies’
  • playschemes,
  • before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs

Find out more and how to apply by visiting childcare choices.

Page last reviewed: 26/03/2024

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