Childcare for 3 year olds near me

All three and four year olds in England are entitled to 570 hours free early education or childcare per year.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Check the guidance on 30 hours free childcare on GOV.UK to find out about changes that might affect you if you're:

• on furlough
• unable to work or are working less
• self employed
• a critical worker who's working more

15 hours free childcare

This is also known as universal free hours. In Bristol it is offered in two ways:

• 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year
• 12 hours a week for 47.5 weeks of the year

You can claim from the term after your child's third birthday until they reach compulsory school age.

If your child's third birthday is between:

• 1 April and 31 August you can claim from 1 September
• 1 September and 31 December you can claim from 1 January
• 1 January and 31 March you can claim from 1 April

30 hours free childcare

From September 2017 some working families can apply for an extra 570 hours free childcare per year. This is also known as extended free hours.

If you're eligible for the extra hours you will need to apply for a code to give to your childcare provider to reserve your place.

Find a 30 hours free childcare provider

How to apply

You don't have to apply for the universal 15 hours free childcare funding yourself. When your child has a place the provider will apply on your behalf.

To find out if you are eligible for the extended 30 hours free childcare you need to apply online by visiting the Childcare Choices Go to https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ (opens new window) website.

For both types of free chidcare, you will be asked to complete a parental declaration form by your childcare provider.

You cannot claim more than 10 free hours in a day or make a claim with more than two childcare providers on the same day. For more information read the pdf Frequently Asked Questions (293 KB).

Hear what parents' think

Parent interviews

Hear what parents from across the country have to say about 30 hours free childcare:

• Chelsea from Telford Go to https://youtu.be/0NJgPHBmMIc (opens new window): returning to work earlier and spending more time with her daughter.
• Florentina from Brent Go to https://youtu.be/vSCCABXTllY (opens new window): increased her work hours and her son received speech and language therapy.
• Debbie and Jamie from Devon Go to https://youtu.be/uPWHpeNxfFQ (opens new window): their daughter can go to pre-school five days a week and they can work full time.
• Ponnmalam from Brent Go to https://youtu.be/QSzcNq16oVI (opens new window): financial relief from the 30 hours childcare
• Letesha from Derby Go to https://youtu.be/wvMXw7NQE_0 (opens new window): able to do more things together as a family
• Claire from Leeds Go to https://youtu.be/txcX-r5A9A0 (opens new window): gives you your independence back and not just being a mum all the time

Funded early learning and childcare is free to parents, but funded by the Scottish Government.

You can get up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year (around 30 hours a week in term time) if your child is 3 or 4 years old. Some 2 year olds are also eligible. 

Visit your local council's website to find out what is available in your area.

There are different funded childcare schemes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If your child is 2 or almost 2 years old

Once your child qualifies for early learning and childcare, they'll stay qualified - even if you get a job or if your situation changes in other ways.

Local councils may offer funded early learning and childcare to people who do not meet the criteria on this page. Check with your local council to find out what happens in your area.

Funded early learning and childcare is available for 2 year olds in certain situations. 

If you or your child has experience of care

Funded early learning and childcare is available for 2 year olds who have experience of care. This includes children who either:

• are looked after by a local council
• are in kinship care
• have been appointed a guardian

If you as a parent have experience of care, your 2 year old can also access funded early learning and childcare. If you think you qualify or want more information, contact your local council.

If you get certain benefits

Your 2 year old can also get funded early learning and childcare if you get one of these benefits:

• Income support
• Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• State Pension Credit
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Support for Asylum Seekers)

If you receive tax credits or Universal Credit, then you can earn a certain amount of money and still be eligible. These income thresholds change annually.

From 1 April 2022, if you are on Child Tax Credit:

• but not Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £17,005 or less
• and Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £7,920 a year or less

If you are on Universal Credit, then your household take-home pay can be £660 a month or less.

"Take-home pay" is the money your household receives from work after tax, National Insurance and any pension contributions have been taken off. Your award letter will tell you how much your take-home pay is for the claim period. This should be £660 a month or less.

How to claim your funded early learning and childcare place

Visit your local council's website to find out how to claim your funded early learning and childcare place.

More information 

For more information about funded early learning and childcare visit parentclub.scot.

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