All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 570 free hours per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, but you can choose to take fewer hours over more weeks, for example.
Some 3 to 4-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours free childcare a week. Check if you’re eligible and find out how to apply.
The free early education and childcare:
must be with an approved childcare provider
stops when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later)
You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.
You can get it from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.
Contact your childcare provider or local council to find out more.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
There are different schemes in Scotland, different schemes in Wales and different schemes in Northern Ireland.