All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get free early education or childcare.
Some 2-year-olds are also eligible for 15 hours free childcare, for example if you get certain benefits.
The free early education and childcare:
- must be with an approved childcare provider
- stops the term after your child turns five
There are different schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
15 Hours Free Childcare
All children in England get 570 free hours per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, but you can choose to take fewer hours over more weeks, for example.
You can get it from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.
Contact your childcare provider or local council to find out more also ask the manager to help you out if needed.
30 Hours Free Childcare
You may be able to get up to 30 hours free childcare (1,140 hours per year).
If you are eligible for the extra hours you are required to sign up online to get a code which you should give to your childcare provider to reserve your place. You will get the extra hours once the next term starts.