UNIVERSAL ENTITLEMENT
15 hours free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds
All 3- and 4-year-olds in England can receive 15 funded hours, even when working-parent conditions are not met.
Free childcare application checklist
Get the four-page England eligibility and application guide by email.
Key facts
- The universal entitlement is 15 hours per week for 38 weeks.
- That equals 570 funded hours per year.
- Eligible working parents in this age band receive 30 hours instead.
Age bands at a glance
| Child’s age | Funded hours | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Under 9 months | 0 | Starts the term after 9 months |
| 9–35 months | 30 | Eligible working parents |
| 3–4 years | 15 or 30 | 15 universal; 30 if working-parent eligible |
| School age | 0 early-years hours | Scheme ends |
Frequently asked questions
Who receives the universal 15 hours?
All 3- and 4-year-olds in England under the supplied rules.
Must parents be working?
No. The universal 15 hours do not depend on work.
Can an eligible family receive 30 hours?
Yes. Eligible working parents receive 30 hours in the 3–4 age band.
How many hours is 15 hours annually?
570 hours over 38 weeks.
Does it continue after school starts?
No. Early-years funded hours no longer apply once the child is school age.
Related guides
30 hours · Eligibility · From 9 months · Universal 15 hours · Complete guide · £100k limit · 2-year-olds · 38 weeks · Single parents