15 hours free childcare for three and four year olds

Children can attend on a part-time basis for 15 hours a week, for 38 weeks of the year. This equals 570 hours and can be taken as follows:

• Flexibly over a minimum of two days per week (no more than ten hours per day).
• Shared between two childcare providers.
• Stretched over more than 38 weeks (up to 52 weeks) - using less hours per week.

When your child can start

Your child is entitled to this childcare, from the start of the term following their 3rd birthday until they start school.

Who provides this childcare

• nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders - see Families Information Service: childcare listings, and filter on 'Free 3/4 yr places'.
• all of our nursery schools.

How to apply

If you are already using childcare, speak to them directly to apply. If you are not using childcare (or you wish to change), contact the nursery, pre-school playgroup or childminder that you'd like to use to:

• check if they have spaces
• see how flexible they are with the 15 free hours

Waiting lists

You can place your child's name on a waiting list for our nursery schools at the beginning of the school year (1st September to 31 August) in which your child has his or her second birthday.

What isn't covered

Certain items may not be included, for example:

• meals
• nappies
• sun cream
• additional hours
• additional activities (such as trips).

Childcare providers may charge a fee for these. If you choose to pay for these it is an arrangement between you and the childcare provider.

However, you must not be required to pay any fee as a condition of taking up a 30 hours place, and must be offered alternative options (for example, providing your own food or nappies).