Universal Entitlement (15 hours) for 3 and 4 year olds
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare each week for 38 weeks a year.
There is no application process or eligibility criteria for this funding as all children are entitled to this funding the term following their third birthday.
| 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) |
Choose a childcare provider
You can use the Universal funding at a pre-school, nursery or childminder that has signed up with us to provide this service. There are many different patterns of funding delivery offered. Each provider will set out how and when they offer their funded early education and childcare places. Providers must not limit the number of totally funded places they offer.
Before accepting your child's place, check:
- it meets your child's needs
- if there are any voluntary charges
- if the provider has a policy in place if you choose not to pay these.
How to use your funded childcare
You need to make sure you know how you can use your free 15 hours of childcare including splitting your hours, stretch funding and when to use your funding.
Find out how you can use your funded childcare
Summary for additional costs
The funding is for early education and childcare. It is meant to deliver 15 hours of funded, high-quality childcare.
Learn more about the additional costs you may have to pay
Contact us
If you have any further questions about the childcare you're entitled to, contact us via:
- Phone
- 03000 41 23 23