Funding
Explore funding options below
Free childcare
for working parents
If you are working parent you may be able to get free childcare for your child aged 9 months to 4 years old if you live in England.
The amount of free childcare you can get depends on:
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your child’s age and circumstances
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whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director)
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your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
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your immigration status
To check eligibility, follow this link:
https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-working
15/30 hour free childcare funding for 3-4 year olds:
All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. The entitlement starts from the term following their 3rd birthday. Some 3 to 4-year-olds may also be eligible for 30 hours free childcare a week.
If your child’s birthday is on 1st January to 31st March, then you can claim during the beginning of term on or after 1st April.
If your child's birthday is on 1st April to 31st August, then you can claim during the beginning of term on or after 1st September.
If your child's birthday is on 1st September to 31st December then you can claim during the beginning of term on or after 1st January.
30 hour free childcare for 3-4 year olds:
You may be able to get 30 hours free childcare if:
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You live in England
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Your child is 3 to 4 years old
Go to: https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare for more information
15-hours free childcare funding for 2-year-olds
You may qualify for 15 hours free childcare per week if your child is aged two. However, there are a number of requirements which need to be met.
The 15 hours free childcare for two-year-olds are for families which receive some form of support, such as income support, Universal Credit or other benefits, or their child has, for example, Special Educational Needs (SEND).
If your child's birthday is on 1st January to 31st March, then you can claim during the beginning of term on or after 1st April.
If your child's birthday us on 1st April to 31st August, then you can claim during the beginning of term on or after 1st September.
If your child's birthday is on 1st September to 31st December then, you can claim during the beginning of term on or after 1st January.
Tax-Free Childcare
Tax-free childcare is a government scheme that pays you back 20% of your childcare costs, up to £2,000 per year for each child.
You can use the scheme to pay for nurseries, childminders, and wrap-around care. You need to set up an online childcare account and pay in £8 for every £10 you spend on childcare. The government will add £2 for every £8 you pay in. You can get tax-free childcare if you are at work and earn at least £120 per week. You can also get tax-free childcare and 30 hours free childcare if you are eligible for both.
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
If your child is in early years education, your early years provider could be eligible for extra funding to help support your child. Your child’s early years education provider could get up to £353 per year to help with your child’s education. This will be paid direct to your provider.
Who can apply?
You can apply for early years pupil premium if your child is aged 3 or 4 and you get 15 hours free childcare.
For more information about additional funding including Disability Access Fund please visit: www.gov.uk/get-extra-early-years-funding
