All three and four year olds in England are entitled to 570 hours free early education or childcare per year.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check the guidance on 30 hours free childcare on GOV.UK to find out about changes that might affect you if you're:
- on furlough
- unable to work or are working less
- self employed
- a critical worker who's working more
15 hours free childcare
This is also known as universal free hours. In Bristol it is offered in two ways:
- 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year
- 12 hours a week for 47.5 weeks of the year
You can claim from the term after your child's third birthday until they reach compulsory school age.
If your child's third birthday is between:
- 1 April and 31 August you can claim from 1 September
- 1 September and 31 December you can claim from 1 January
- 1 January and 31 March you can claim from 1 April
30 hours free childcare
From September 2017 some working families can apply for an extra 570 hours free childcare per year. This is also known as extended free hours.
If you're eligible for the extra hours you will need to apply for a code to give to your childcare provider to reserve your place.
Find a 30 hours free childcare provider
How to apply
You don't have to apply for the universal 15 hours free childcare funding yourself. When your child has a place the provider will apply on your behalf.
To find out if you are eligible for the extended 30 hours free childcare you need to apply online by visiting the Childcare Choices Go to https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ (opens new window) website.
For both types of free chidcare, you will be asked to complete a parental declaration form by your childcare provider.
You cannot claim more than 10 free hours in a day or make a claim with more than two childcare providers on the same day. For more information read the pdf Frequently Asked Questions (293 KB) .
Hear what parents' think
Parent interviews
Hear what parents from across the country have to say about 30 hours free childcare:
- Chelsea from Telford Go to https://youtu.be/0NJgPHBmMIc (opens new window): returning to work earlier and spending more time with her daughter.
- Florentina from Brent Go to https://youtu.be/vSCCABXTllY (opens new window): increased her work hours and her son received speech and language therapy.
- Debbie and Jamie from Devon Go to https://youtu.be/uPWHpeNxfFQ (opens new window): their daughter can go to pre-school five days a week and they can work full time.
- Ponnmalam from Brent Go to https://youtu.be/QSzcNq16oVI (opens new window): financial relief from the 30 hours childcare
- Letesha from Derby Go to https://youtu.be/wvMXw7NQE_0 (opens new window): able to do more things together as a family
- Claire from Leeds Go to https://youtu.be/txcX-r5A9A0 (opens new window): gives you your independence back and not just being a mum all the time