Three- and four-year-olds

15 hours – universal funding entitlement

All three- and four-year-olds who live in England are entitled to this offer irrespective of income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances.

Families can get up to 570 hours per year of free childcare, which can be used as follows:

• 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (term time only) or,
• ‘Stretched’ funding by using fewer hours per week, but over more weeks of the year, ie to cover some or all of the school holiday periods. Not all childcare providers offer the stretched funding model, so please check this with your chosen childcare provider directly

Please note: some families could also be entitled to an additional 15 hours through the working family entitlement, which would mean up to 1,140 hours of free childcare per year. For more information on the working family entitlement, please visit the Best Start in Life Parent Hub.

There is no application process for the 15 hours universal entitlement, only for the additional 15 hours through the working family entitlement.

When would my child be eligible for 15 hours universal funding?

The universal entitlement would start the term after your child turns three years old (please refer to the table below).

What is the universal funding entitlement for, and how can it be used?

The universal entitlement funding is intended to pay for 15 hours a week of high quality, flexible childcare for all three- and four-year-olds. The 15 hours must be able to be accessed free of charge to all parents. You can use this offer alongside the working family entitlement to receive a total of 30 hours, if you're eligible. Any additional hours, over and above the child’s funding entitlement, will be charged for by the childcare setting at their own hourly rates. It therefore doesn't cover:

• Meals
• Nappies
• Additional hours over and above the funded entitlement
• Additional activities, such as trips

Access to the above extras must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place. Parents should speak to their chosen childcare provider about the extra services or alternative options.

How do I claim a funded place?

To apply for funded hours for your child, you'll need to speak to your chosen childcare provider first of all to see if they're able to offer you a place at their setting. Once you've been offered a place, you'll be required to complete a parent declaration form, which will provide your childcare provider with all the information that they need, to be able to claim the universal funding from the local authority for your child.

If you need help finding a childcare provider in your area, please visit our childcare options page.