3 and 4-year-olds: 15 hours free early education and childcare for every child
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All three and four year old children who live in England are entitled 15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers.
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.
Who is eligible?
All three and four year old children who live in England.
How can I apply?
You do not need to apply for the universal entitlement, your childcare provider will do this for you.
You will need to show a copy of your child’s birth certificate and you will be asked to sign a parental declaration form.
When can my child access these free hours?
Your child birthday falls between:
> 1 September to 31 December > Eligibility starts in January
> 1 January to 31 March > Eligibility starts in April
> 1 April to 31 August > Eligibility starts in September
Can my child claim these hours at any childcare provider?
The universal entitlement can used at settings that are registered to accept these hours, such as:
- nursery classes in primary schools
- private nursery schools
- private or voluntary pre-schools or playgroups
- private or voluntary day nurseries
- nursery units of independent schools
- childminders
Not all childcare providers are registered to accept the 15 hours.
On the following link you can find a list of Westminster providers that offer funded places.
Other important information
These free hours don’t include the cost of meals, additional hours, trips, activities, nappies or other consumables. Please speak to your childcare provider for further information on any additional costs.
Contact the Westminster Family Information Service
If you require further information or advice about this, please do contact the Family Information Service:
By email: Bi-boroughChildCareEarlyEd@rbkc.gov.uk; Or by phone: 07971 625922