Childcare
The Early Years Entitlement
What is the Early Years Entitlement?
From the term after your child’s third birthday until they start school, they are entitled to up to 15 hours of free early learning and child care each week for up to 38 weeks a year during school term time. The hours can take place in nurseries (including school nursery classes), playgroups, pre-schools or at certain childminders.
The full 15 hours must be used over at least 3 days a week and you can use a minimum of 2.5 hours and a maximum of 10 hours a day between 8am and 6pm. A maximum of 12.5 hours if the entitlement is needed over only two days. You can also share the 15 hours between two providers. Ask your childcare provider how they are offering the Entitlement.
How will this benefit my family?
- Free early learning and care gives your child a head start when they go to school. Singing songs, playing games with letters and numbers and having fun with other children help. to prepare your child for school and for life ahead.
- The learning and experiences your child has when being cared for help to shape them and their development.
A Government survey of parents using the Early Years Entitlement found that parents:
- were overwhelmingly positive about the effect of early years education and care on their child
- saw a range of benefits in their child such as improved social and communication skills, access to a wide range of activities and increased cultural awareness
- said that they benefited from using the entitlement - just under half said that access to free childcare meant that they were able to work.
When can my child have their entitlement?
| Child born between | Entitled from: |
|---|---|
| 1 April and 31 August | Start of autumn term after their third birthday until they go to school |
| 1 September and 31 December | Start of spring term after their third birthday until they go to school |
| 1 January and 31 March | Start of summer term after their third birthday until they go to school |
What should I do?
Check the table above to see when your child is eligible for the Early Years Entitlement.
If you are already using childcare make sure that you are using all the hours you need and are entitled to. If not talk to your childcare provider about what you need and how you can get the Early Years Entitlement.
If you're not already using childcare:
- learn more about the different types of childcare
- find out your options for help with paying for childcare if you want more than 15 hours
- get tips on going about arranging the childcare
- search for childcare in your area
- or call 0845 257 2180.
You must then contact your chosen setting direct. They will tell you how to apply for a place.
When your child has a place at the setting they will then apply to the local authority for your child’s Early Years Entitlement. You do not apply for the funding yourself.
More detailed information can be found in the Stepping Out 
(1.13MB - pdf help) booklet.
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