Briefing: Paying for childcare in England
Free childcare entitlements
There are three entitlements to government funded childcare in England:
- Universal 15 hours entitlement: all three and four-year-olds are eligible for 570 hours of government-funded childcare a year, commonly taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year (that is, during term-time).
- Two-year-old disadvantaged entitlement: some two-year-olds are eligible for 570 hours of funded childcare if certain conditions are met – for example, if their parents receive specified benefits.
- Working families entitlement: eligible working families qualify for 1,140 hours of funded childcare a year (inclusive of the 570 hours under the universal 15 hours entitlement). This is commonly taken as 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. Prior to April 2024, the entitlement was often referred to as the 30 hours extended entitlement and was limited to eligible three and four-year-olds.
The briefing contains information about the range of entitlements and support available relating to childcare. You can also find additional information in relation to Early years funding in England from a briefing published in Nov 2024.
