How 3 and 4 year olds can receive up to 30 hours a week funded childcare
All 3 and 4 year olds get 15 hours funded early education a week for 38 weeks a year.
Working families may get another 15 hours childcare a week. That's up to a total of 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
How to apply
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Apply through the government's Childcare Choices website.
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If successful you will get a code (an 11 digit number).
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To book a place take the code to your childcare provider with your child's birth certificate and proof of address.
| A child turns 3 and the working parent/carer get a code between these dates: | Up to 30 hours childcare starts from: |
|---|---|
|
1 January to 31 March |
1 April |
|
1 April to 31 August |
1 September |
|
1 September to 31 December |
1 January |
Apply or find out more at Childcare Choices.
If you have problems applying or cannot access the internet, phone the government’s helpline on 0300 123 4097.
Further information
Tax-Free Childcare is another government scheme to help working families with their childcare costs.
There is a guide about help with the cost of childcare (PDF, 1.5MB) by the Family and Childcare Trust.
Useful information about help paying for childcare from Money Saving Expert.