Free places for 2 year olds
A child will be entitled to the free hours from the term after both of the following conditions are satisfied:
Eligible 2 year olds are entitled to a free place offering 570 hours a year over no fewer than 38 weeks of the year. The free entitlement may be stretched over more than 38 weeks (and up to 52 weeks) - see suggested weeks for further information. This means taking fewer hours per week, subject to a maximum of 570 hours a year.
Providers are required to check original documentation to confirm a child has reached the eligible age on initial registration for all free entitlements by checking their birth certificate or passport and recording this on the parent declaration form.
If a child is entitled to free hours a code will be issued to the parent which they can share with their chosen childcare provider.
Providers should offer places to eligible 2 year olds on the understanding that the child remains eligible until they become eligible for the universal entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.
15 hours universal entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds
A child is eligible to the free hours from the term after their third birthday.
Eligible 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to a free place offering 570 hours a year over no fewer than 38 weeks of the year, until the child reaches compulsory school age (the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday). The free entitlement may be stretched over more than 38 weeks (and up to 52 weeks) - see suggested weeks for further information. This means taking fewer hours per week, subject to a maximum of 570 hours a year.
Providers are required to check original documentation to confirm a child has reached the eligible age on initial registration for all free entitlements by checking their birth certificate or passport and recording this on the parent declaration form.
Children who have been admitted to primary school and are attending a state-funded or independent school reception class are not entitled to any additional free hours outside their school reception class place as local authorities can meet their duty to secure the universal entitlement through reception class provision.
A child who takes up their free hours part way through the year will be entitled to a pro-rata number of hours adjusted to reflect the portion of the year remaining.
All 3 and 4 year olds living in England are entitled to the universal entitlement irrespective of the immigration status of the child or their parent(s).
30 hours extended entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds of working parents
A child will be entitled to the extended entitlement from the term after both the following conditions are satisfied:
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the child has attained the age of 3
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the child’s parent has a current positive determination of eligibility from HMRC for example a valid 30 hours free childcare eligibility code
Eligible 3 and 4 year olds will be entitled to an additional 570 hours, making a total of 1,140 hours a year over no fewer than 38 weeks of the year, until the child reaches compulsory school age (the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday). The free entitlement may be stretched over more than 38 weeks (and up to 52 weeks) - see suggested weeks for further information. This means taking fewer hours per week, subject to a maximum of 570 hours a year.
Providers are required to check original documentation to confirm a child has reached the eligible age on initial registration for all free entitlements by checking their birth certificate or passport and recording this on the parent declaration form.
Children who have been admitted to primary school and are attending a state-funded or independent school reception class are not entitled to any additional free hours outside their school reception class place as local authorities can meet their duty to secure the universal entitlement through reception class provision.
A child who takes up their free hours part way through the year will be entitled to a pro-rata number of hours adjusted to reflect the portion of the year remaining.
