Universal Entitlement (15 hours)
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare each week for 38 weeks a year.
Some childcare providers may offer fewer hours per week over more weeks of a year (up to 570 hours). This is known as stretched funding.
The Department for Education sets the dates for when children become eligible by age. The dates apply to both the universal (15 hours) and extended (30 hours) entitlement.
| Child born between | Will become eligible for free childcare |
|---|---|
| 1 January and 31 March | The start of term 5 following their third birthday (after Easter holiday) |
| 1 April and 31 August | The start of term 1 following their third birthday (after summer holiday) |
| 1 September and 31 December | The start of term 3 following their third birthday (after Christmas/New Year holiday) |
You do not need to apply for this funding. Simply find a childcare provider who is registered with us to deliver it to access your 15 hours.
Read our guide to 15-hour funding. It explains the full eligibility criteria, how to apply, and other details.