15 Hours Funded Childcare - England

 

15 Hours Funded Childcare

What is 15 Hours Funded Childcare?

In England, the government offers two funded early education schemes providing 15 hours of funded childcare over 38 weeks of the year for eligible children:

  • 15 hours funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds
  • 15 hours funded childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds

This means your little one can enjoy a funded childcare placement with a government-approved provider — someone who’s registered with Ofsted and takes part in the scheme.

Bright Horizons is proud to be an approved childcare provider and we’re delighted to offer funded placements as part of this initiative.

Latest Updates

All eligible children aged from 9 months to school age will now be able to receive 30 hours a week of funded childcare from September 2025. You can find out more information on this on the government website Childcare Choices. Our funding policy is available online and for more information on current schemes please read below.

Your 15 Hours Funded Childcare Options

  • 15 Hours Funded Childcare for 2-Year-Olds

    Your 2-year-old is eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week if you live in England and receive any of the following benefits:

    They are also eligible if they:

    • Are currently in the care of a local authority
    • have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
    • Receive Disability Living Allowance
    • Have left care through an adoption order, special guardianship order, or child arrangements order

    Eligible children can start using their funded hours from the beginning of the term following their second birthday — either 1 January, 1 April, or 1 September.

  • 15 Hours Funded Childcare for 3 and 4-Year-Olds

    All children aged three and four in England are eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week, available over 38 weeks. That’s 570 hours per year.

    You can start using these hours from the beginning of the next term after your child turns three:

    • 1 January,
    • 1 April, or
    • 1 September.

    Please note: while the childcare hours are covered, additional costs like meals, nappies, and wipes are not included in the funding. Full details can be found in our nursery fee sheet.

How Can I Apply for 15 Hours Funded Childcare?

All you need to do to receive these funded hours is contact your nursery, share proof of your child's age (their birth certificate) and fill out a declaration form. They will then apply on your behalf.

Are You a Non-UK Citizen?

If your immigration status includes ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still be eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for your 2-year-old.

Eligibility is based on a number of factors, which can be found on the government website.

You may also be able to get 15 hours of funded childcare for your 3 or 4-year-old.

Download our guides

Whether you’re exploring nursery options or already part of our Bright Horizons community, our helpful funding guides are here to support you. Discover everything you need to know about funding your childcare — including government-funded hours, tax-free childcare, childcare vouchers, and key dates to keep in mind. We’ve made it easy to understand what support is available and how it can work for your family.

Character Building

Are you a current Bright Horizons parent?

You might be entitled to more funding than you think, especially as your child grows with us!

Speak to your Nursery Manager today to find out more.

Bright Horizons Family App

Still have questions?

Book a personal tour with us today! We'll walk you through everything related to fees, funding, what’s included and more, answer all your questions, and help you find the best options for your family.

Book a personal tour online or give us a call.

Tax Free Childcare

Funding Policy

For our 2025 funding policy, please click here to find out more

Find Your Perfect Nursery | Bright Horizons

Find your nearest Bright Horizons nursery

Come and discuss your childcare funding options with us!

Other funding options...

Tax Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare is a UK government initiative designed to help working parents with the cost of childcare.

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30 Hours Funded Childcare

30 Hours Funding in England

Bright Horizons are pleased to offer 30 hours funded childcare for all eligible families.

Find Out More
1140 Hours Funded Childcare - Scotland

1140 Hours Funding in Scotland

If your child is 3 or 4 years old, then from August 2021 you will be able to access up to 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare a year.

Find Out More
Childcare Vouchers

Childcare Vouchers

If you joined either one of these schemes on or before 4 October 2018, you're still able to receive these vouchers and use them to support your childcare payments with us.

Find Out More