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Funded childcare and early learning

There are currently 4 government schemes that offer funded childcare for eligible children aged 9 months to 5 years. This childcare can be taken up at an Ofsted registered day nursery, pre-school or with a childminder.

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Logo for London Borough of Hounslow (Hounslow Council)

Key information

Eligibility

Age Group

  • Eligible children from 9 months to 5 years

Income

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

What is this service?

  • 15 hours 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 funded early education and childcare for children aged 9 months to 3 years (for eligible working families)

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

  • 30 hours funded childcare (for eligible working families)

    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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