Today we provide a rough guide to free childcare schemes available in England. There are many different ways eligible families can obtain at the very least some free childcare, so today we look at the various Government schemes and options available. The good news is that there is even one that’s available to pretty much everyone — and it’s quite generous. We’ll take a look at that childcare funding scheme first.
‘Universal’ Free Childcare Hours for 3- & 4-Year-Olds
(The “15 Hours” Scheme)
Up to 570 Free Childcare Hours Available
- With Universal Free Childcare, children aged 3 or 4 can receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.
- Also known as their Free entitlement, it typically equates to 15 hours of free childcare per week over the course of 38 weeks of the year.
- Some childcare providers may be able to stretch the hours out in a different pattern if it better suits families.
- The childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.
Eligibility
Universal free childcare is not means tested and all children aged 3 and 4 living in England are eligible to receive the free hours. 3- and 4-year-olds moving to England from abroad are also entitled, even without British citizenship. Eligible children can start their free childcare in the term following their 3rd birthday.
How to Apply
Families should apply through their local childcare provider. If you live/work in Streatham and are interested in your child getting their free entitlement at Little Cedars Nursery, please apply here or get in touch to discuss a nursery place with us. You can also find out more about childcare funding via your local council (you can find yours here).
‘Extended’ Free Childcare Hours for 3- & 4-Year-Olds
(The “30 Hours” Scheme)
Free Childcare for Disadvantaged 2-Year-Olds
Tax-Free Childcare
Childcare Vouchers
(Closed to New Applicants)
Free Childcare Through Universal Credit
Free Childcare Through Tax Credits
(Closed to New Applicants)
Free Childcare for Children Aged from 9 Months
(Coming Soon)
Student Childcare Grants
Childcare Funding via the Care to Learn Scheme
Childcare Funding via the Learner Support Scheme
It’s worth noting that some of the schemes above can be used in tandem with one another, while others strictly cannot. Check the links for more information about each for more details.
Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham
High Quality Childcare Provision for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers in Streatham
Little Cedars is officially a good nursery/pre-school and offers high quality childcare in Streatham, London SW16. Subject to eligibility and availability, we support Government childcare funding schemes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children under five at the setting.
If you haven’t yet visited, why not bring your little one for a guided tour and you’ll soon see how well they fit in. We’re happy to answer any questions and would welcome your application for a childcare place. Please get started with your application or contact us using an option below and we’ll be delighted to help:
We are located in Streatham, close to Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton.