Funded entitlements
Working parents may be able to get 30 hours per week of funded childcare for a child 9 months to 4 years old.
- 30 hours Working parent entitlement if your child's age is from the term after they turn 9 months until they start school - Check eligibility explained on the government website
- Foster carers who are in employment in addition to their foster carers duties may be entitled to 30 hours funding from the term after a child is 9 months old. Please contact your social worker for further information.
You may be able to get funded childcare if you have a 2‑year‑old and meet certain eligibility criteria.
- 15 hours for parents of 2‑year‑olds receiving some forms of additional government support, which can include specific benefits, support linked to your child’s needs, or certain care arrangements. Your child can start from the term after they turn 2 – Check eligibility explained on the government website - Check eligibility explained on the government website
All 3 and 4 year olds in England are also entitled to 15 hours of funded early education or childcare per week.
- 15 hours for Universal entitlement for 3 and 4-year-olds if your child's age is from the term after they turn 3 years old until they start school - All 3 and 4-year-olds are eligible for the universal element of the entitlement
For further information visit Best Start in Life.
Funding entitlement start dates
When your child turns the relevant age:
- 1 January to 31 March they can get their hours from - Term starting on or after 1 April
- 1 April to 31 August they can get their hours from - Term starting on or after 1 September
- 1 September to 31 December they can get their hours from - Term starting on or after 1 January