For children aged 3 to 4 years, before they start school. You do not need to apply for this funding. Please inform your childcare provider that you wish to use this funding, and they will have the correct forms for you to fill in.
All 3 and 4 year-olds in England can get 570 funded hours per year from the term after your child turns 3 years old through to starting school. This is usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. You can choose to take fewer hours over more weeks, if your childcare provider offers this option.
It's available at participating:
- Full day care (for example, nurseries)
- Schools
- Childminders
- Sessional providers (for example, playgroups)
- After school clubs
You can check which settings accept the funding on the Family Information Service directory.
| If my child turns 3 years old between | I can access their funded hours from |
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January |
You may have to pay for extra costs such as:
- Meals
- Nappies
- Additional hours
- Additional activities, such as trips
Ask your provider what extra costs you will have to pay for.