Free childcare (CN)
Check what you could get
Financial help for childcare for children of different ages and families that may receive certain types of support.
Free Childcare for Working Parents (9 months – 4 years)
Working families can get up to 30 hours a week of funded childcare from 9 months until starting school. Usually for 38 weeks of the year, but can be ‘stretched’ by taking fewer hours per week.
- Eligibility and how to apply – GOV.UK: Best Start in Life – 30 hours free childcare.
Universal 15 hours for 3 and 4 year olds
All children aged 3 and 4 in England can get 15 hours a week free childcare from the January, April or September after their 3rd birthday. Working families can get 30 hours.
- Eligibility and how to apply: GOV.UK: Best Start in Life – 15 & 30 hours.
Early Learning for 2-year-olds
15 hours for eligible 2-year-olds for families on certain types of support. You may be eligible for more hours if you work.
Your benefits will not be affected if you take up Early Learning for 2-year-olds.
Tax Free childcare
As well as childminders, nurseries and nannies, Tax-Free Childcare can be used to help pay for after school clubs, play schemes and holiday clubs from ‘approved’ providers.
- Eligibility and how to apply: GOV.UK: Tax-Free Childcare.
Universal Credit childcare
If you are on Universal Credit and you pay for childcare while you work, you can get help with the cost.
- Eligibility: GOV.UK Universal Credit childcare costs
- Apply: online via your Universal Credit account.
Things you may have to pay for
Your childcare provider might ask you to pay for optional extras like:
- food
- nappies and wipes
- activities or trips
These must be optional. If you do not want to pay for them, your provider should agree on an alternative with you.
You can still get the free childcare if you do not pay for any optional extras.
Find an approved childcare provider
‘Approved’ childcare
The childcare must be from a registered provider, such as a registered nursery, playscheme or school. See: GOV.UK: What is approved childcare?
Free childcare for foster carers
Foster children aged 2 automatically get 15 hours a week of free childcare under the Early Learning for 2-year-olds scheme.
At ages 3 and 4, they get the Universal15 hours a week of free childcare. Foster carers can boost this to 30 hours a week if they have extra paid work or have a fostering commitment. The child’s social worker must approve the application.