Your child can attend early years settings including childminders, nurseries and preschools. The type of setting you choose depends entirely on your personal preference and what you think is best for your child.

For a list of funded childcare providers:

• visit Family Information Directory
• email Funded.Childcare@bexley.gov.uk or earlyyears@bexley.gov.uk

3 and 4 year-olds

All 3 and 4-year-olds in England can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for up to 38 weeks of the year. Some 2-year-olds are also eligible:

• the funding is flexible and can be accessed at up to 2 childcare sites for up to 10 hours a day
• if 15 hours is too much for your child you do not have to use the full hours, this can be built up over time
• when you start your funded place, you will be asked to sign a parent agreement which states the terms and conditions of your child’s placement
• if there are no places you will need to re-apply at another setting
• if your child attends a school nursery there is no guarantee this will entitle them to a school place

3 and 4-year-old Extended 30 hours offer

Some 3 and 4-year-olds will be able to get 30 hours funded childcare or education.

The additional 15 hours of funded childcare is available for families where:

• both parents are working (or the sole parent is working in a lone-parent family)
• each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage and less than £100,000 a year.

Whether your child is 2 or 3 they will start their place at the beginning of the term following their birthday. Your 2-year-old can only access a place if they meet the set criteria.

Find out when you can claim

Find out more and how to apply by visiting Childcare Choices.

2 Year Olds

From April 2024, eligible 2-year-olds of working families will be entitled to up to 15 hours funded Childcare. This will increase to 30 hours from September 2025. The criteria are as listed for 30 hours above. You should be able to apply from January 2024.

For more information and to apply visit Childcare Choices.

Funded childcare for two-year-olds (Play 2 Learn funding)

To receive 15 hours free childcare for your two year old you must meet certain eligibility criteria.

Apply for free childcare

For more information email Funded.Childcare@bexley.gov.uk

Under 2 years old

From September 2024, eligible 2-year-olds of working families will be entitled to up to 15 hours funded Childcare. This will increase to 30 hours from September 2025. The criteria are as listed for 30 hours above. You should be able to apply from April 2024.

For more information and to apply visit Childcare Choices.

Tax-Free Childcare 

If you’re a working parent or carer, you can get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year per child) to help with the costs of childcare. If your child has a disability, you can get up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year per child). You can use it to pay for childcare including:

• childminders
• nurseries and nannies
• playschemes
• before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs