Paying for the cost of your child's learning

Early Years Funding

3 and 4 Year Funding

All children no matter their family circumstances are entitled to 15 hours funded early education (childcare) from the term after their third birthday up until they start school full time. Eligible working parents are entitled to up to 30 hours funded childcare. For more information see the funded early education for 3 and 4 year olds page.

2 Year Funding

Your 2-year-old child may be eligible for up to 15 hours funded childcare (also known as early education entitlement) a week at a day nursery, preschool playgroup, or with a childminder. For more information see the Funded Early Education for 2 Years olds page.

9 month + funding

Working families of 9-month-olds may get 15 hours of funded early education a week for 38 weeks a year. From September 2025 this will expand to 30 hours. For more information see the childcare for working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years old - Suffolk County Council.

Free school meals

Since 2014 universal free school meals are available for all children in:

• Reception
• Year 1
• Year 2

However, if you're entitled to the following benefits, you can register your child for free school dinners:

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit but not the Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenues and Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment finishes or after you start to work fewer hours per week.

Find out how to apply for free school meals.

School uniforms

Ask your school if they offer assistance towards the cost of buying school uniform.

Children's centres may hold information about local funding.

We do not provide any support towards the cost of school uniform.

Home to school travel

The Suffolk on Board website has information about home to school travel.

Staying in learning and training after 16 

Help with university and higher education costs

Financial help for students studying at university or higher education is managed by Student Finance England. This includes student loans, grants, Disabled Students' Allowances and bursaries.