Information for parents – funded childcare

Most parents get a quick answer when they apply, but some may need to give more details. Apply early to avoid delays.
Parents must reconfirm their details every three months using their childcare account.
If a parent stops being eligible, their child may still get free hours for a short time (called the grace period) while they look for work.
Children can only start their free place the term after they meet the age and eligibility rules.
Children can only get one type of 2-year-old funding each term.

Government funding covers 15 or 30 hours of free childcare each week.
It does not cover meals, snacks, extra hours, or extra activities.
Providers can charge for these extras, but:
- Charges must be optional
- Providers must offer free alternatives (e.g. parents can bring their own food)
- Providers must think about how charges affect families, especially those with less money
Parents can choose to pay for extra hours or services, but this must not be required to get a free place.
Providers should try to offer hours that suit parents’ working patterns and allow children to use their hours in full blocks.

Children cannot use early years funding once they start full-time in a school reception class.
Parents can choose to keep their child in nursery or childcare until they reach compulsory school age (the term after their 5th birthday), if they don’t want to take up a school place at age 4.

Childcare