15 hours

All 3 or 4-year-olds can get 15 weekly hours funded childcare and early education, the term after their third birthday. You do not need any eligibility code and funding is available regardless of the parents’ earnings or immigration status.

Free Early Education Entitlement is intended to cover access to high quality learning at a childcare provider. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, snacks, additional activities, or consumables. It is best that you speak to your childcare provider before signing an agreement to check if there are any additional charges.

Funding is paid for 38 weeks. Childcare providers may offer the option to stretch the funding over more weeks or offer a variance in patterns of delivery. Again, speak to your childcare provider to discuss days and times your child will attend, prior to signing a parental agreement.

How to apply

• Contact a registered childcare provider of your choice, you may use the search button below to find one.
• Complete an application form at your chosen provider.
• The provider applies for funding on your behalf.

We will then pay the provider directly.

30 hours

Eligibility depends on:

• you, and any partner, working
• your, and any partner, income
• your immigration status

You, and any partner:

• must expect to earn (on average) the equivalent to 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage
• must not earn more than £100,000 a year

If you foster your child, speak to your social worker or contact the Family Information Service team on 0113 378 9700

Application deadlines for 30 hours

You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks. However, funding only begins the term after your child is 3-years-old. You must apply for a working family eligibility code by the end of the month before a new term starts. For example, for the term starting on or after the 1 September you must apply by 31 August.

You can apply up to 31 days before starting work.

30 hours application

Full information and to apply, visit the government's Childcare Choices website. If you have any issues with the application, call the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097.