Free childcare for all 3 to 4-year-olds
Children aged 3 to 4 in England can get 15 hours a week free childcare. Find out how to use it and secure your free place.
Secure your free place
Secure your free spot with your chosen provider before the termly free childcare headcount date. Check with the provider to find out when this is.
Your childcare provider will claim the cost of your child’s free place from Southwark Council.
Providers cannot charge you for the 15 hours of free childcare. You may have to pay for extra costs like:
- extra childcare hours
- meals
- nappies
- trips
They may also charge you a refundable deposit to secure your childcare place.
If the providers allow it, you can split your free childcare between 2 providers. The total free hours cannot be more than what you're entitled to per term.
If you’re not happy about the way you’ve received your free childcare, speak to your provider first. If you’re still not happy, contact us.