Funded early learning and childcare for 3 to 5 year olds
3 to 5 year olds can get up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year. This is around:
- 22 hours a week if used all year
- 30 hours a week if used only during school term time
Some 2 years can get funded early learning and childcare.
Funded early learning and childcare is free to you.
How to get a place
Local councils offer funded early learning and childcare.
They also work with private nurseries and childminders who offer funded early learning and childcare.
There are different childcare schemes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When your child can start
This depends on:
- where you live
- the type of childcare
Many local council nurseries get children to start at the beginning of a school term.
| If your child turns 3 between | When they can start at a local council nursery in |
|---|---|
| 1 March and 31 August | August (autumn term) |
| 1 September and 31 December | January (spring term) |
| 1 January and 28 or 29 February | March or April (summer term) |
Contact your local council if you're not sure when your child can start.
Moving from nursery to school
If your child is 4 years old on the day they are due to start primary school, you can defer their entry.
Deferring means delaying your child starting school.
If you defer you can keep getting funded early learning and childcare.
Find out more about starting school.
Parent Club advice on childcare
You can get more information about childcare on Parent Club.