Understanding the free early education and childcare entitlements
Our vision in Haringey is to ensure that every child has the best start in life and to support them with the foundations of learning. Early education and childcare are important for every 2, 3 and 4-year-old because it supports communication skills including speech and language, social skills, confidence and preparation for starting school.
Existing early education and childcare entitlements
- Free early learning of up to 15 hours per week for eligible 2-year-olds of families receiving support, known as Free for 2s in Haringey.
- Free early education of up to 15 hours per week for ALL 3 and 4-year-olds.
- Free 30hrs of free childcare for working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds.
Forthcoming expanded entitlements
- from April 2024, all working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours per week
- from September 2024, all working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 15 hours per week
- from September 2025, all working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 30 hours free childcare per week
FAQs for parents/carers
Q. Why would I need free early education/childcare if I am at home with my child? Isn’t it like babysitting children whilst their parents are at work?
A. No. Early years education/childcare focuses on communication and language, social and emotional development, and physical development, which can be developed by learning through play. Children have the chance to be with other children and make lots of friends. They will be able to do many more activities than they can do at home.
Q. I am at home with my child, but I do see how the entitlement would really benefit him. Do I qualify if I am not working?
A. Yes. Currently if you have a 2-year-old (known as Free for 2s in Haringey) and meet one of the criteria your child could benefit from a free place of up to 15 hours per week.
Alternatively, if you have a 3-year-old they are entitled to up to 15 hours per week of Free Early Education – this free offer is for ALL 3 and 4-year-olds and there are no eligibility requirements.
Q. I am a working parent, which free childcare and early learning offers can I take up and how do I find out more?
A. See links below for more information, including entitlements for all parents and other help available with childcare costs.
Q. When can my child take up their place?
A. 2, 3 and 4-year-olds start the term after their 2nd or 3rd birthday.
| Birthday between | Term starts |
|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | 1 January (spring term) |
| 1 January to 31 March | 1 April (summer term) |
| 1 April to 31 August | 1 September (autumn term) |
Q. How do I apply for a free place for my child?
A. If you are currently receiving certain benefits or are working and receiving support you may be eligible for Free for 2s. The new 2-year-old expanded offer for working parents requires online application, as does the 30hr offer. See links below to apply.
However, the 3-and 4-year-old offer of 15 hours per week only requires a visit to your chosen childcare provider to register your child.
Q. How do I find a childcare provider?
A. You will need to ensure that the childcare provider of your choice is registered and approved by the local authority to offer free places. As places are taken up quickly, it would be useful to register your child at least 4-5 months before they turn 2 or 3. You can find details of registered Haringey childcare providers below.
Links for full details and useful information
- Haringey Council – Free Early Education and Childcare – online Free for 2s application
- Government Childcare Choices information, including childcare costs calculator: Childcare Choices (external link)
- Early Years Alliance – information for parents and carers: The 'free childcare' offers: what parents and carers need to know (external link)
- Search Haringey registered childcare providers at Synergy (external link)