England – Free & funded childcare for children aged 2, 3 & 4
Last updated: 20 Apr 2022
In order to be eligible for free childcare for your 2-year-old, you must either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit or your 2-year-old child must fit into one of the categories of children who have additional needs.
The qualifying benefits for terrific two's are:
Even if you are not receiving a qualifying benefit your 2-year-old can still get free childcare if any of the following apply:
- They’re looked after by a local council
- They have a current statement of special education needs (SEN)or an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- They get Disability Living Allowance
- They’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
- You can’t claim benefits because of your asylum seeker status or a no recourse to public funds condition. This only applies in specific circumstances – see FAQ below.
Contact your childcare provider or local council to find out how to apply or if you need further guidance.
This scheme is universal and open to all 3 and 4-year olds. There are no earnings or work requirements.
You should be able to start receiving the childcare from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s 3rd birthday.
Contact your childcare provider or local council if you need further guidance.
The eligibility criteria for free childcare for working parents are:
This scheme is universal and open to all 2, 3 and 4-year olds.
If your child is 2 years old, you may be able to get 15 hours free per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).
If your child is 3 to 4 year old, you may be able to get 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).
Contact your childcare provider or local council if you need further guidance.