All 3 and 4-year-old children and some 2-year old children are entitled to 15 hours a week of free early education and childcare.

Some 3 and 4-year-olds whose parents are working may be able to get an additional 15 hours a week of free early education and childcare (called the extended entitlement or 30 hours).

Early Education and Childcare Expansion 2024 - 2025

Early education and childcare for working parents is being extending to support more families. 

Eligible working parents of children aged from 9 months will be able to get up to 30 hours a week (if taken term time) of Free Early Education and Childcare from September 2025.  This entitlement will be rolled out in phases starting from April 2024.

  • April 2024 - working parents of 2-years can get up to 15 hours a week of free education and childcare.
  • September 2024 - working parents of 9 months – 3 years old can get up to 15 hours a week free education and childcare.
  • September 2025 - working parents of 9 months – 3 years old can get up to 30 hours a week free education and childcare.

For more information and to find out if you are eligible visit the Childcare Choices website.

Parents eligible from April 2024 will be able to apply for their eligibility code from January 2024. Parents must receive their eligibility code before the 31 March to be able to access this entitlement.  

Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what you may be eligible for and to sign up to the newsletter to get the latest updates about the early education and childcare support expansion. 

 

Related websites

Contact us

Email: fsd@merton.gov.uk