The government offers different types of childcare support for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Funded childcare is called Early Years Entitlements (EYE). Children can get 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare for 38 weeks a year. Some childcare providers let you use fewer hours each week so you can spread the funding over more weeks.
Childcare support for working families
Working parents with children aged 9 months to 4 years may get 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare with a registered childcare provider.
Once a child is approved, they stay eligible until they start school, even if the family’s situation changes.
Working parents who qualify can also get 15 hours of free early education for their 2‑year‑olds for 38 weeks each year. If you're a parent, you'll need to apply and confirm you're eligible.
Childcare support for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds
All 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds can get 15 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks each year. Every family can use this. It doesn't matter how much money you earn or your immigration status.
Working parents who qualify can get an extra 15 hours. This gives up to 30 hours a week with a registered childcare provider.
Tax‑Free Childcare is a government scheme that helps working parents pay for childcare. You open an online childcare account and use it to pay your childcare provider. The government then adds extra money to help with the costs.
You can use Tax‑Free Childcare alongside other childcare support if you are eligible.