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Free and funded childcare and early learning for 2, 3 and 4 year olds

There are currently 4 government schemes that offer funded childcare for eligible children aged two, three and four. This childcare can be taken up at an Ofsted registered day nursery, pre-school or with a childminder.

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Key information

Eligibility

Age Group

  • Eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds

Income

  • In receipt of Universal Credit (or similar)
  • Low Income

What is this service?

  • 15 hours free/funded early education and childcare for 2-year-olds (for eligible families not working or working on a low income and in receipt of certain government benefits)

  • 15 hours free/funded early education and childcare for 2-year-olds (for eligible working families)

  • 15 hours free/funded childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds

  • 30 hours free/funded childcare (for eligible working families)

  • From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to working families with children from the age of 9 months to 3-year-olds. To find out if you are eligible and to apply go to www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working

  • From September 2025, working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.

Each of the childcare schemes mentioned above have different eligibility rules so you will need to check which of the schemes is right for you. More information on each scheme, including to how to apply is available from this page https://fsd.hounslow.gov.uk/SynergyWeb/Free_funded_help_paying_for_childcare.aspx

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