Up to 15 hours of government funded childcare is available to all three and four years old in England from the term after their third birthday.
The government call this universal funded childcare as it is available to all three and four year olds. It is available up to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks. Families could stretch the funding further over the year, by using fewer hours per week. The maximum hours available for universal funding is 570 hours per year.
For further information visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
You do not need an eligibility code to access universal funded childcare. All children can start accessing their universal hours from the term after their 3rd birthday. Funded childcare will stop when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later)
Funding would start from the term after your child's third birthday:
| Child born between | Entitlement begins |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Summer term from 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | Autumn term from 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | Spring term from 1 January |
Funded early education and childcare must be with an approved Ofsted registered early years provider. To find a childcare provider in your area, please visit the Family Services Directory.
Providers may charge you for services purchased such as additional hours, meals, nappies, or trips.
Your childcare provider will ask you to provide evidence of your child's date of birth and to complete a parent declaration form to receive your universal funded childcare entitlement.
You may be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credits whilst claiming your funded childcare support.