15 hours (all families with 3 & 4 year olds)
All three and four year olds can access 15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year).
Can be used flexibly with one or more providers.
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over more weeks, using fewer hours per week.
Its available at participating:
- Full day care providers (e.g. nurseries)
- Sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
- Childminders
- Schools with 2 year old places
Children can take their 15 hour entitlement the funding period after their 3rd birthday.
- 1 April to 31 August - funded place in autumn term.
- 1 September to 31 December - funded place in spring term
- 1 January to March - funded place in summer term.
Families should approach their preferred childcare provider directly to arrange their universal 15 hour entitlement.
If you are not satisfied that your child has received their free place you can use our complaints procedure.