Information for parents and carers of three and four year old children.

Free early education and childcare provides up to 15 hours of free childcare education for all eligible three and four year olds. This could either be at a local nursery, pre-school or a childminder in your area.

15 Hours of Free Childcare 

Quality childcare education can help your child to learn, play together with friends, experience new activities or get ready for school. It can also give you more time to go back to work or learn and develop a new skill through training.

If you are looking for further information on 30 hours free childcare, please visit our The Extended Entitlement - 30 Hour Free Childcare page. 

This section explains early education and childcare for three and four year olds. To find out if you are eligible for two year old funding or to make a referral click here

Eligibility

Children become eligible to receive free early education and childcare from the start of the term following their third birthday: 

A child born between:

Will be eligible for a free place from:

1 January and

31 March (inclusive)

1 April
following their third birthday

1 April and
31 August (inclusive)

1 September

following their  third birthday

1 September and
31 December (inclusive)

1 January
following their  third birthday

How to find a childcare provider

There are a variety of early years providers across Milton Keynes. Click here to use the Children and Families Information search or call 01908 253338

How to access the funding

When you have found a childcare provider that meets your needs, you will need to complete a Parental Contract. 

This form will be supplied by your childcare provider, you will asked to complete it and return it to them directly in order for them to claim the free entitlement on your child’s behalf. 

Last Updated: 24 May 2019