Free childcare
Our 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.
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years
There’s support with childcare costs for working parents with children aged 9 months to 4 years. Your child may be entitled to 30 hours of childcare funded by the government if you are working and meet the criteria.
Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to find out more and to apply.
Working parents of children aged 5 years to 11 years old
Manchester has a wealth of before and after school provision for working families of primary school aged children. Just ask at your child’s school and they will provide you with information on what’s provided and how much it costs.
You may get help with childcare costs if you claim Universal Credit or apply for Tax Free Childcare.
For more information childcarechoices.gov.uk or manchester.gov.uk/wraparound-childcare
If you’re not working and have children aged 2, 3 or 4 years old
All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to 15 hours of early education funded by the government and some children aged 2 years, where their family is in receipt of certain benefits may also be entitled to 15 hours of early education.
To find out if you qualify visit childcarechoices.gov.uk or speak to the staff at your local Family Hub or Children’s Centre or for more information visit manchester.gov.uk/freechildcare