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Parents' guide to 30 hours of free childcare

Eligible working families with 3 and 4-year-olds can receive up to 30-hours of free childcare each week. This is an extra 15-hours of free childcare in addition to the universal entitlement and is known as extended entitlement.

In this section

  • Eligibility

    Find out if you're eligible for 30 hours of free childcare.

  • Apply

    Once you're eligible for 30 hours of free childcare, see what you need to apply and when to apply by.

  • Reconfirm your eligibility

    You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months from the date you applied to receive the entitlement. Learn how to reconfirm your eligibility.

  • Choose a childcare provider

    Guidance on how to find a childcare provider, and what to check before accepting a place.

  • How to use your entitlement

    See how to start getting your funding, including how to use it as well as stretching and splitting it between two childcare providers.

  • Additional costs you may have to pay

    Funding is for early education and childcare, you may have to pay for additional costs. Learn more about what you may have to pay for.

  • Contact us

    Need help with funding, making appeals and complaints, or have questions not answered online about free childcare? Contact our team for guidance.

  • Foster carers

    Guidance on using 30 hours free childcare for fostered 3 to 4 Year olds, including eligibility, application process, and key checks.

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