30 hours childcare for eligible working families

For children aged 9 months to 4 years.

• Up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year
• Can be used with one or more approved childcare providers
• Some providers offer a stretched entitlement, allowing fewer hours per week across up to 52 weeks
• Eligibility is based on parents' employment and income circumstances

Find out if you are eligible for 30 hours funded childcare

Best Start funding - 15 hours for eligible 2-year-olds

For children aged 2 years whose families receive qualifying support.

• Up to 15 hours of funded early education per week for 38 weeks of the year (570 hours annually)
• Can be used flexibly with one of more providers
• Some providers offer a stretched entitlement across up to 52 weeks
• Eligibility is based on the child and family's circumstances

Find out if you are eligible for Best Start funding

Universal 15 hours for 3 and 4-year-olds

Available to all families in England with children aged 3 and 4 years.

• Up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (570 hours annually)
• Can be used with one or more providers
• Some providers offer a stretched entitlement across up to 52 weeks

Find out more about the universal 15 hours entitlement

How eligibility is determined

Eligibility for funded education and childcare depends on the type of entitlement being claimed. Some offers are available to all children in a particular age group, while others are based on parents' employment status, income, or receipt of qualifying benefits and support. Families should check their eligibility before applying.