Children are eligible the term after their third birthday: children born between - 1 January and 31 March - eligible from the 1 April (Summer)
1 April and 31 August - eligible from 1 September (Autumn)
1 September and 31 December - eligible from 1 January (Spring)
Early education and childcare funding can be accessed from a range of providers across the city, including -
- Childminders
- Day nurseries
- Pre-schools
- Primary school nurseries
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the 570 hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week. You can also split the time between 2 providers if this helps you.
You do not need to apply.
You need to contact the childcare provider of your choice to secure your place.
Things you may have to pay for
Your childcare provider might ask you to pay for things like:
- food
- nappies and sun cream
- extra hours
- activities or trips
These must be optional extras. If you do not want to pay for them, your provider should agree on an alternative with you. You can still get the free childcare if you do not pay for any optional extras.
If you are working
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 may be eligible for an additional 15 hours per week of funded childcare, a maximum of 30 hours in total. This is known as 'working families' childcare funding. You must apply to receive working families childcare via www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working