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GrantEngland

15 Hours Free Early Education for 3 and 4 Year Olds (England)

Department for Education (via local councils)

At a glance

Who it's for
Individuals and households in England. Full eligibility rules are below.
What you get
570 free hours a year (usually 15 hours a week for 38 weeks)
How to claim
No separate application: ask your nursery, pre-school or childminder (it must be an approved provider), or your council's Family Information Service, to claim the hours for you.
Where
England
Deadline
No fixed deadline

Description

Every 3 and 4 year old in England gets 570 hours of free early education a year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks, whatever their parents earn and whether or not they work. It starts the term after the child's third birthday and runs until they start reception. It's separate from the 30 Hours Free Childcare for working parents, which tops it up to 30 hours for families who qualify.

Amount

570 free hours a year (usually 15 hours a week for 38 weeks)

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: England.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
Notes
Verified Oct 2026 directly on gov.uk's 'Free childcare and education for 3 to 4-year-olds' page: 570 hours a year, usually 15 hours a week for 38 weeks, or fewer hours over more weeks if the provider offers it. Starts on 1 January, 1 April or 1 September after the child's third birthday and ends when they start reception (or reach compulsory school age, if later). Must be taken with an approved provider. The working-parents 30 hours is a separate entry. Not modelled on Profile.ageBand, since eligibility turns on the child's age.
Requirement
Your child is 3 or 4 and lives in England. No income, work or benefit test.

Want help with this application?

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

No separate application: ask your nursery, pre-school or childminder (it must be an approved provider), or your council's Family Information Service, to claim the hours for you.

View official source

Last verified: 25 October 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.