Eligibility for early education funding

How child eligibility is determined

30 hours childcare for eligible working families in England

  • Up to 30 hours of funded childcare support over 38 weeks of the year for children aged between 9 months and 4 years old
  • Can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers
  • Some providers will allow parents to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

More information about eligibility for 30 funded hours

15 hours early learning for families in England, for children aged 2 years receiving some additional forms of support (Best Start)

  • 15 hours of early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers
  • Some providers will allow parents to 'stretch' the hours over up to 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

More information about eligibility for 15 hours early learning for families receiving support

15 hours childcare for all families in England for children aged 3-4 years

  • 15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers
  • Some providers will allow you to 'stretch' the hours over up to 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

More information about eligibility for 15 hours childcare for all families in England