Funded Childcare

In England, there are three government-funded early education schemes that offer free childcare for children aged two, three and four:

30 hours free childcare for working parents of children aged between 9-months to 4 years-old

15 hours free childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds (universal entitlement)

15 hours free childcare for 2-year-olds (extra support)

These schemes are only available to families living in England, although similar schemes are available in Scotland and Wales.

Each of the free childcare schemes has different eligibility rules so it’s important to check which of the schemes is right for you. More information on eligibility and applying for each scheme is outlined on the Working Families website.