Free childcare places available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds
15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds
- For families in England, receiving some forms of support
- With 2-year-old children
- 15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
- To be able to take up 15 hours of free childcare for your two-year-old you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria.
- A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
- Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week
15 hours free childcare for 3 & 4 year olds
- For all families in England
- With 3 and 4-year-old children
- 15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
- A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
- Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week
30 hours free childcare for 3 & 4 year olds
- For working families in England
- With 3 and 4-year-old children
- 30 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
- A total of 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more
childcare provider - Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week
- If your working pattern and/or income has changed because of coronavirus (COVID-19); before you apply or reconfirm for 30 hours
Universal Credit for childcare
- For working families claiming Universal Credit, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
- With children under 17*
- Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs
- Who aren’t receiving Tax-Free Childcare
Tax credits for childcare
- For working families, in the UK
- With children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
- 70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
- If you cannot make a new claim for Tax Credits, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Tax-free childcare
- For working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
- Earning under £100k and at least £142 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each
- Who aren’t receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
- With children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled)
- For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year
Support whilst you study
- Weekly payments from Care to Learn if you’re at school or sixth-form college
- Help through your college if you’re in further education
- A weekly grant if you’re in full-time higher education
