When to take up the funding

Universal funded childcare

You can start getting the universal funded childcare the term after your child turns 3 years-old. The term 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

Working parents

You can get an additional 15 hours of funded childcare the term after your child's third birthday if you're eligible and apply before the deadline. This means the funding would start either in April, September or January.

Further details about when to apply can be found on the UK Government website.