Help with childcare costs

Help and support with childcare costs

Contents

Funded education for all 3 and 4-year-olds

What you can receive

Families can access up to 570 funded hours per year, usually taken as:

  • 15 hours per week for 38 weeks
  • Stretch funding: fewer hours per week spread over more weeks of the year
    Not all providers offer this—please check with your childcare provider.

When can my child start?

This funded offer will start from the term following a child’s third birthday. 

Child turns 3 years old between Funded hours can start from
1 January to 31 March Term starting on or after 1 April
1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September
1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January

How to claim a funded place

You do not need to apply online. Simply:

  1. Contact your chosen childcare provider
  2. They will claim the funding on your behalf

Funded hours can be used at most childcare providers, including:

  • Childminders
  • Pre-schools
  • Nurseries (private and school-run)
  • Some out-of-school clubs

Find childcare options in your area. 

The universal 15 hours remain available until your child starts school.

Additional support and combining schemes

You may also be eligible for:

Could I get 30 hours instead?

Yes. Some families may be eligible for an additional 15 hours through the Working Parent Entitlement, giving up to 1,140 funded hours per year.

  • Parents can apply from when their child turns 9 months old
  • You can apply at any time after starting work
  • Apply via the Best Start in Life website

You’ll receive a confirmation code to give to your childcare provider.

You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months via your online account. Gov.UK will send reminders. 

Foster carers

Foster carers must apply for the Working Parent Entitlement through the local authority, with support from their social worker.

What does funding cover?

Funded hours pay for early education time at a provider. They do not cover:

  • Meals
  • Nappies
  • Extra hours beyond the funded entitlement
  • Additional activities (e.g. trips)
  • School-based early years provision

These extras must not be mandatory or a condition for accessing a funded place. Speak to your provider about optional services or alternatives.