Extended Early Education and Childcare for 3 & 4 Year Olds 

Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded early education and childcare from the term after your child is 3 years old.


The 30 hours funded early education and childcare is term time only (1,140 hours per year). Some childcare providers are able to 'stretch' the funding. This is where you receive less funded hours per week over more weeks of the year totalling to 1,140 hours per year. 

If you, and your partner (if you have one), are both working a minimum of 16 hours per week and each earn less than £100,000 per year you could be eligible.

To receive the funding you must apply via the GOV.UK website. 

When to apply
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old and at the latest you must apply before the month in which the term starts.

Child's birthday between 1 September to 31 December
Start January, Spring Term
Recommend to apply between 15 October to 30 November

Child's birthday between 1 January to 31 March
Start April, Summer Term
Recommend to apply between 15 January to 28 February

Child's birthday between 1 April to 31 August
Start September, Autumn Term
Recommend to apply between 15 June to 31 July

How it works
• apply on the Gov website below, you will be required to create an account
• if you are eligible you will receive an eligibility code
• take your code to your chosen childcare provider to secure your funding
• renew your details on your Gov account every 3 months to continue your funding