3 and 4 year olds childcare funding

Childcare funding for all 3 and 4 year old children (universal funding)

Universal funding is available for all 3 and 4 year olds. It is worth up to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks (school term time) Some providers stretch this by offering less hours per week but over more weeks to a maximum of 570 hours per year.

You can start getting funded childcare the term after your child turns 3 years-old. This will depend on when their birthday is:

• 1 January and 31 March can claim from the term beginning on 1 April
• 1 April and 31 August can claim from the term beginning on 1 September
• 1 September and 31 December from the term beginning on 1 January

You do not need to apply for the universal hours. The funding is claimed by the early years provider of your choice on your behalf. You will just need to complete a form that they will provide, authorising them to claim the funding.

The funding can be used at a number of different early years providers. These include nursery classes in maintained schools, maintained nursery schools, pre-schools, private nursery schools, private nurseries, independent schools and some childminders.

You can access the funded childcare in the borough where you live or another borough.

Search the community directory to find a nursery, pre-school or childminder:

Childcare services