Early education and childcare

Overview

Some early education and childcare provision in England is funded by the UK government.

Government-funded early education and childcare is not classed as a ‘public fund’ for immigration purposes. This means it can be accessed by a child regardless of their immigration status. However, some schemes include eligibility criteria related to the immigration status of parents and may not be available to all families.

The following schemes are available to families regardless of immigration status:

• 15 hours per week for disadvantaged 2 year-olds
• 15 hours per week universally for all 3 and 4 year-olds

The following schemes are available to working parents but include a residence requirement and are generally not accessible to families with no recourse to public funds:

• Up to 30 hours per week for eligible children aged 9 months to school age
• Tax-Free Childcare for children aged 11 and under (or up to 16 for disabled children)

Funded early education and childcare covers care only. Meals, snacks, and other additional services are not included, and providers may charge for these.

The following pages in this section set out the eligibility requirements for free early education and childcare schemes in England, as well as the relevant schemes in:

• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Page updated: 12 June 2026