Free Childcare for 3 to 4-Year-Olds
The UK government offers free childcare from the age of 2 years old for eligible families, but how do you know what you are entitled to?
The UK government offers free childcare from the age of 2 years old for eligible families, but how do you know what you are entitled to, and does it vary depending on where you live? We breakdown the detail and summarise the different schemes available to see what is right for you and your family. England Available: 15 hours free childcare during term-time and up to 30 hours if eligible Eligibility Criteria: All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 570 free hours per year and is usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year (during term time). You can get 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during term time) if you (and your partner, if you have one): are working and earn at least the minimum wage for the next 3 months on sick leave or annual leave on shared parental, maternity, paternity, or adoption leave If you are on adoption leave for a child aged 3 to 4 years old, you much return to work within 31 days of the date you first apply for 30 hours free childcare for that child. If you are not currently working you may still be eligible if your partner is working and you get any of the following: Incapacity Benefit Severe Disablement Allowance Carer’s Allowance Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance If you or your partner have an expected ‘adjusted net income’ over £100,000 in the current tax year you will not be eligible.
This includes any bonuses you expect to get. How to apply You can apply onlin.
when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old and the funding will be available inline with school term times. When your child turns 3 When they can get 30 hours from Recommended time to apply 1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January 15 October to 30 November 1 January to 31 March Term starting o.
or after 1 April 15 January to 28 February 1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September 15 June to 31 July You also have to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months in order to keep you code valid. Scotland Available: 30 hours free childcare during term-time Eligibility Criteria: Free to all parents and funded by the Scottish Government, you can get up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year (around 30 hours a week in term time).
You may be able to get more funded hours in your local area – visit your local council’s website to find out what is available. Wales You could get up to 30 hours a week of childcare or early education if you are a working parent. Eligibility: Child is aged 3 or 4 years old You must work (and your partner too, if you have one) and earn at least the National Minimum Rate for 16 hours a week on average Each parent much earn less than £100,000 per year You are employed or self-employed but on statutory leave Foster carers and kinship carers may also be eligible To find out more and to apply click here. Northern Ireland 12.5 hours per week of free preschool education.
Sources: https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare?step-by-step-nav=f517cd57-3c18-4bb9-aa8b-1b907e279bf.
https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/funded-early-learning-and-childcar.
https://gov.wales/childcare-3-and-4-year-old.
The UK government offers free childcare from the age of 2 years old for eligible families, but how do you know what you are entitled to?