Find information about the 15 hours childcare funding support available for all parents of children aged 3 and 4 years old and how to apply.
On this page
- What is available?
- Is it for me?
- When can I start using my funding?
- Where can I use my funding?
- How do I apply?
What is available?
15 hours funded early learning and childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year for 3 and 4 year olds for all families.
This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
Some providers allow you to use fewer hours per week over more weeks, and you can split the 15 funded hours between, up to two providers. You can use the 15 free hours alone or as part of a larger care package. Providers can't require you to buy extra hours or meals as a condition of your child accessing a place.
Is it for me?
All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to the funding and your child can start from the term after their 3rd birthday
This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday)
How do I find out more information?
Find out more on the Government's Best Start in Life parent hub
When can I start using the funding?
| Child turns 3 | Funded place can start |
|---|---|
| January, February, March | on or after 1 April (Summer term) |
| April, May, June, July August | on or after 1 September (Autumn term) |
| September, October, November, December | on or after 1 January (Spring term) |
Find details of school term dates:
- Nottinghamshire school holiday and term dates (Nottinghamshire County Council) (opens in new tab)
- Nottingham city school term dates and-holidays (Nottingham City Council)
You can continue using funded childcare until your child reaches compulsory school age, even if you don't enrol them in a state-funded school reception class.
A place in a school nursery doesn't guarantee admission to the school. You must apply for a reception class place separately.
For more information, go to
- Nottinghamshire School Admissions (Nottinghamshire County Council)
- Nottingham City School Admissions (Nottingham City Council)
Where can I use the funding?
Funded places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders.
You can find a provider near you on our Find Childcare page.
Do I have to pay anything?
The Government funding is intended to pay for 15 hours a week of high quality, flexible childcare. The 15 hours must be able available free of charge to parents.
The funding does not cover the costs of
- meals
- consumables, such as nappies or sun-cream
- additional hours
- additional activities, such as trips
You may be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.
How do I apply?
As the offer is a universal entitlement, it means no application is needed. Contact your chosen early years setting to enrol your child. They will claim the funded hours from Nottingham City Council or Nottinghamshire County Council, depending on the setting's location. You will need to sign a parent declaration form and provide proof of your child's age (birth certificate)