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Three and four year old early education (universal 15 hours)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.  I have a three year old son can I get money to help with his nursery funding?
A.  All families with three and four year old children are eligible for 15 hours free early education. To apply, contact your local childcare provider.

Q.  Can I get any extra help with childcare costs?
A.  You could be eligible for tax credits, tax free childcare or universal credits (please see detail below)

Age three and four – 15 hours free childcare

  • For all families in England, with three and four year old children.
  • 15 hours of free childcare (570 hours per year) for 38 weeks per year. Some providers may ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, thereby using fewer hours per week.
  • To apply, contact your local childcare provider. 
  • Call 01908 254522

Find local early years providers

A list of local Early Years providers can be found on the Ofsted website.

The Local Offer provides information, support and signposting for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25 years, their parents and carers, practitioners and professionals.

When can my child start?

Funding is available from the term after your child’s third birthday, see below:

  • 1 January to 31 March - start summer term on or after 1 April
  • 1 April to 31 August - start autumn term on or after 1 September
  • 1 September to 31 December - start spring term on or after the 1 January

HM government offer additional help with childcare costs for parents

Tax Free Childcare

  • Tax-Free Childcare is a UK wide offer for eligible working parents
  • Set up an online childcare account for your child on GOV.UK
  • Deposit money into the account. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2. You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year)
  • Use the topped-up money to pay your childcare provider through your online account

Tax Credits for Childcare

You can get help with the cost of childcare through:

You must use an ‘approved childcare’ provider in order to qualify.

Universal Credit for Childcare

  • For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17
  • Claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs