Free childcare
The council’s childcare offer helps parents in Manchester who are working or looking to return to work.
Early learning is part of our childcare. It helps children make friends, gain confidence, and feel ready for school.
Parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years may be able to get 15 hours per week of funded childcare for 38 weeks of the year.
From September 2025, this will increase to 30 hours per week.
You may be able to get funded childcare if you have a 2-year-old child and receive certain benefits. Check the criteria and eligibility on the government website: gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-claim-benefits
Parents of children aged 3 to 4 years
Parents of 3 and 4-year-olds in England can get 15 hours of funded early education or childcare each week. From September 2025 you’ll get:
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15 hours per week through free childcare for working parents
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15 hours per week if you or your child get extra support (you’ll continue to get these hours even if you are no longer eligible for free childcare for working parents)
You’ll get these 30 hours for 38 weeks of the year. You may be able to get free childcare for more than 38 weeks a year if you take fewer hours over more weeks.
How to apply
Ask staff at any Children’s Centre for help to apply. For more information or to apply visit: