Free Early Learning / Education

    Childcare/early learning/education is good for children’s social, physical and mental development and also helps them to prepare for school – giving your child the best start in life.

    See advice for parents of children aged 0-4 years old with special educational needs (SEND).

    Changes to childcare support for working parents from April 2024

    Working parents: Have you applied for your code?

    From April 2024, more working parents will be supported through an expanded free childcare offer.

    To get 15 hours of free childcare for your 2-year-old, you need to apply for a code. You should apply for your code before 31 March 2024 to take up a place from April 2024.

    'Free childcare if you are working' step-by-step guide (external link).

    How to claim free childcare including how to get your code (external link).

    Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a 2-year old.

    Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months old.

    Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.

     


    Current free childcare and education – apply now

    Don't miss out – visit your childcare setting to secure your child's place today.

    Free 30 hours for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds

    Free 30 hours childcare and Tax-Free Childcare for working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds

    Find out if you’re eligible for the new government scheme.

     


    Wraparound Childcare

    Wraparound childcare is before and after-school childcare for primary school-aged children aged 5-11 years old in England during term time. This includes breakfast clubs and regular after-school provision until 6pm or later.

    The care is aimed at helping parents access more childcare and work the hours they want to. It should be available every school day outside of regular school hours.

    From September 2024, parents can expect to see an increase in the number of wraparound childcare places available across the country.

    Wraparound care eligibility

    All parents in England with primary school-aged children will be able to access wraparound care in their local area.

    The fees will be set by providers. Parents eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare will be able to use the support to help pay for wraparound care.

    Wraparound survey

    We need you to tell us your views about Wraparound childcare – part of the government's expansion of childcare for primary school-aged children.

    Please complete the survey if you are a Haringey parent/carer with children aged 3 to 11 years old.

    Wraparound survey

    SEND Wraparound survey

    The surveys close on 13 March 2024.


     

    Understanding the free early education and childcare entitlements

    Read our guide to entitlements for parents and carers.

    Help paying for childcare

    Can I get help with my childcare costs? (external link)

    Looking for help with childcare costs? See the GOV.UK Childcare Choices page (external link).

    Further Information

    Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) programme

    Page Last Updated:

    March 11, 2024