Early Education Funding – what is available?

Funded childcare places are available for families with children aged from 9 months to 4 years old. 

For Under 2s:

Working Parent Entitlement – 15 hours is now available for working parents of 2 year olds. Find out more

For 2 year olds:

• Think2 – 15 funded for families what may not be in work, low income or receiving additional government support. Find out more and how to apply
• Working Parent Entitlement – 15 hours is available for working parents of 2 year olds. Find out more.

For 3 and 4 year olds:

• Universal 15 hours – 15 hours for all 3 and 4 year olds
• Working Parent Entitlement – in addition to the universal 15 hours, working families could receive an extra 15 hours to make 30 hours. Find out more on funded places for 3 and 4 year olds.

Parents can access the Working Parent Entitlements from the term after they have successfully applied for an age eligible child.

Parents can access funded hours at registered childminder, both private and school based nurseries, pre-schools and some wraparound providers. Children could access funding up until and including the term a child turns 5 years old, but 4 year olds attending a primary school reception will not be eligible as this is considered a full time school place.