Back
Free childcare for all 3 to 4-year-olds
Overview
All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get up to 570 free hours of childcare per year.
It’s 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.
Free childcare:
- starts from the first term after your child’s 3rd birthday
- stops when your child starts reception class or when they reach compulsory school age, if later
Born on or between: |
Eligible for a free place from: |
1 Apr and 31 Aug |
Sep after their 3rd birthday |
1 Sep and 31 Dec |
Jan after their 3rd birthday |
1 Jan and 31 Mar |
Apr after their 3rd birthday |