Funded childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds
Last updated 15 October 2021
1. Overview
All 3 and 4-year-old children are entitled to 570 hours of funded early education per year. It's available from the term following the child's 3rd birthday up until they reach compulsory school age. It's for every child irrespective of background or family circumstances.
September 2017 saw the introduction of an additional entitlement for children from eligible families. You can find further information on the 30 hours funded childcare page.
The 570 funded early education hours can be taken at a:
- childminder
- private/voluntary day nursery
- pre-school
- independent school
- school nursery
To find details about childcare provisions in your area, use the button below.