Free childcare if you're working
Check if you can get free childcare for your child from aged 9 months to 4 years old if you work.
Secure your free place
If eligible, show your confirmation message and reference number to the approved provider of your choice.
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 provider will claim the cost of your child’s free place from Southwark Council.
Providers cannot charge you for the 15 or 30 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.
You’ll receive a letter every three months asking you to confirm that you’re still eligible for working parent-free childcare.
If your circumstances change
If you're no longer eligible you may still access your free childcare place for a short period of time (the 'grace period').
Check the grace period arrangements with your childcare provider.
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.