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

Three and four your old children are eligible for 15 hours universal early education. This could either be at a local nursery, pre-school or a childminder in your area.

 

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 or you can use our  “childcare search”  facility on MKC website.

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.  You can use our  “childcare search”  facility on MKC website
  • Call 01908 254522

 

When can my child start?

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

1 January – 31 March                       start summer term on or after 1 April

1 April – 31 August                           start autumn term on or after 1 September

1 September – 31 December        start spring term on or after the 1 January

 

HM government offer additional help with childcare costs for parents

Tax Free Childcare

  • For working families (with children under 12  or under 17 if disabled), including the self-employed, in the UK
  • For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year

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 are unable to make a new claim for Tax Credits, you may be eligible to apply for Universal Credit instead

Universal Credit for Childcare

  • For working families (with children under 17) claiming Universal Credit, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
  • 85% of eligible childcare costs, up to a cap

 

Last Updated: 19 November 2021