Overview
Funding is available from the term after your child turns 2. You can find more information on the Childcare Choices website.
| Born on or in between | Eligible for funding from |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Summer term (April onwards) |
| 1 April to 31 August | Autumn term (September onwards) |
| 1 September to 31 December | Spring term (January onwards) |
Using your 15 hours funded childcare
If you’re eligible, the funded early education and childcare must be with an approved childcare provider.
You can use your funded 15 hours:
- over a minimum of 2 days or a maximum of 5 days a week
- for a maximum of 10 hours a day
- over 38 weeks or pro-rata over a maximum of 52 weeks per year
- anytime between 6am to 8pm, depending on the sessions offered by your chosen provider
In addition, if you meet the criteria for “Families Receiving Benefits”, you can use your funded hours:
- with one childcare provider only
- without paying for additional services