All three and four year olds and some two year olds in England are entitled to free, part-time early learning, care and development.
Services are available for up to two years, until children reach statutory school age.
Children can currently attend on a part-time basis for 15 hours a week, for 38 weeks of the year. This can be taken flexibly over a minimum of two days, and a minimum of 2 and a half hours per day with up to two providers.
Visit the Families Information Service website to search for free early years providers in your area and contact them direct to apply.
From September 2017, the Government will offer 30 hours of free childcare per week for parents of three and four year olds, to help them continue or take up employment. Guidance from the Department for Education states that you will need to meet the following criteria to be eligible:
You will not meet the criteria when:
You may be charged by your childcare provider for lunches or for any additional hours of childcare needed. Please speak to your childcare provider for details. These additional charges are not covered by this scheme.
You can check whether you are eligible on the Childcare Choices.
If you are eligible for 30 hours you will be given an 11 digit eligibility code. You or your partner should take this code to your chosen childcare provider. You will also need to give them the National Insurance number of the person who registered online and your child's date of birth.
You will need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months but a reminder will be sent to you by HMRC by text and/or email.
Find out more about the 30 hours free childcare in our frequently asked questions document (PDF, 415kb).
Some two year olds may be entitled to free early education up until the term after their third birthday at 'Play and Learn' sessions. This can take place at a nursery, playgroup or with a childminder. If you are eligible, your child could receive 15 hours a week (term time only), or 11 hours a week (50 weeks a year).
Children are eligible if they:
If you qualify, your child could take up their 'play and learn' sessions any time between the term after their 2nd birthday and the term after their 3rd birthday.
Visit the Families Information Service website to search for providers in your area.
You can download an application form (PDF, 825kb) or contact us for a paper copy. Applications will not be considered until the beginning of the term that the child turns two.
Research shows children who go to good and outstanding nurseries, pre-schools and child minders make good progress with their language, physical and social development. When the time comes for school they settle in quickly and do well in their new class. Places are available in good quality settings so you can be confident that your child is receiving quality education and childcare helping them with their early learning through giving them new experiences. It will give you the chance to spend time with other family commitments, do some training or study or take a part-time job.
You can download a list of Frequently asked questions (PDF, 236kb) about free Play and Learn sessions for 2 year olds.
