Nursery Education Funding (NEF)

  
Every child is entitled to receive up to 15 hours of free entitlement every week, for up to 38 weeks per year. You can choose to take a minimum 3 hours to a maximum of 10 hours per day. The 15 hours can be accessed over a minimum of 2 days.
Some providers may offer the free entitlement more flexibly than others.

 

Some 2 year olds may be eligible for 15 hours of funding if they meet the criteria. 

From April 2024, working parents of 2 year olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year from the term after their child's 2nd birthday.

  • From September 2024, working parents of children (Term after) 9 months to 3 year olds, claim 15 hours over 38 weeks.   
  • From September 2025, working parents of children (Term after) 9 months to 3 year olds, will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare over 38 weeks.

 

Check if you are eligible for the extra 15 hours per week (30 hours altogether)

 

A “how-to” animation to support families applying for 30 hours free childcare and Tax-Free Childcare online