Free early learning for children under 5

Use this guide to find information about free early learning for children under 5.

All 3 to 4 year olds in England can get 15 hours of free early education childcare a week. Some 2 year olds are also eligible. There is also an additional 15 hours a week for eligible working parents.

There are significant changes coming soon to 15 and 30 hours childcare support in England. Families with children aged between 9 months and and 2 years old are not currently eligible for any funded hours. However, the government has announced that:

  • from April 2024, all eligible working parents of 2 year olds will be able to access funding of up to 15 hours per week of childcare, and early learning for 38 weeks of the year.
  • from September 2024, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 23 months old will be able to access funding of up to 15 hours per week of childcare, and early learning for 38 weeks of the year. 

In addition, the government has announced that:

  • from September 2025, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to school age will be able to access funding for 30 hours per week of childcare, and early learning for 38 weeks of the year.

You can find more information about the coming changes on the government’s Childcare Choices website.