Free Childcare in London
Check funded childcare available to London families, including 30 hours for eligible working parents, 15 hours for all 3 and 4-year-olds, early learning for eligible 2-year-olds, application deadlines, childcare codes, borough services and additional costs.
Check Free Childcare Eligibility30 Hours for Working Parents
Eligible working families can receive funded childcare from the term after a child reaches the qualifying age.
Read Working Parent GuideFree Childcare for 2-Year-Olds
Some London 2-year-olds qualify through benefits, additional needs, care status or eligible immigration circumstances.
Check 2-Year-Old FundingFind a Funded London Place
Eligibility does not guarantee a place at every nursery. Search through your London borough and contact providers early.
Find a London ProviderFree Childcare in London Eligibility Checker
Answer a few questions to identify the London funded childcare options that may apply to your child. The result is guidance only; eligibility must be confirmed through the official childcare service or your London borough.
Your Child and Household Details
Select the answers that best describe your circumstances and planned London childcare arrangement.
Your London Childcare Result Will Appear Here
Complete the questions to identify funded childcare schemes, likely application routes and important next steps.
Your Free Childcare Summary
Free Childcare in London at a Glance
London follows England’s national funded childcare entitlements, while individual boroughs manage local applications, provider directories and availability.
Explore London Childcare Funding and Costs
Compare funded hours, application codes, nursery fees and additional childcare support before accepting a London childcare place.
Apply for Funding and Search for a Place Early
London nursery demand can be high, particularly for full working days, baby places and popular locations near stations or business districts. A valid childcare code does not reserve a place at a specific provider.
Check eligibility, contact your borough Family Information Service and ask providers how they deliver funded hours before paying a deposit.
- Apply before the deadline for the term you need.
- Give your code to the provider with the required details.
- Reconfirm working-parent eligibility every three months.
- Ask whether funded hours are term-time or stretched.
- Request a complete list of optional and compulsory costs.
- Confirm the exact days, sessions and start date in writing.
What Free Childcare Is Available in London?
London families use the childcare entitlements available across England. The main options depend on the child’s age, parental work, income, additional support needs and immigration circumstances.
30 Hours for Eligible Working Parents
Eligible working parents can receive 30 funded hours per week for 38 weeks of the year from the term after their child reaches 9 months until the child starts school.
15 Hours for Every 3 and 4-Year-Old
All children in England receive a universal early education entitlement from the relevant term after their third birthday. Parental income and employment do not determine access to these universal hours.
15 Hours for Eligible 2-Year-Olds
A separate entitlement is available for eligible 2-year-olds whose family receives specified support or whose individual circumstances meet qualifying conditions.
Funded Hours for Foster Children
Foster carers may be able to claim the working-parent entitlement where they carry out paid work outside fostering and the arrangement is consistent with the child’s care plan.
No Recourse to Public Funds
Some 2-year-olds in London families with no recourse to public funds can qualify under separate income, savings and immigration conditions. Applications are generally handled through the local authority rather than the standard benefits-checking process.
Help Beyond Funded Hours
Families may also qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit childcare costs, student support or other help with approved care. These schemes can help with hours and charges that funded childcare does not cover.
| London Childcare Offer | Typical Age | Main Eligibility Basis | Application Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working-Parent Childcare | 9 months to school age | Work, earnings, income and residence rules | Online childcare account |
| Universal 15 Hours | 3 and 4 years old | Child’s age and residence in England | Directly through a provider or borough |
| Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds | 2 years old | Benefits, disability, care or other support | London borough early years service |
| NRPF 2-Year-Old Entitlement | 2 years old | Immigration, London income and savings conditions | London borough assessment |
| Tax-Free Childcare | Usually under 12 | Work, income and approved childcare | Online childcare account |
| Universal Credit Childcare | Eligible dependent children | Universal Credit, work and approved childcare | Universal Credit account |
Use the official childcare support calculator to compare funded childcare with other help toward childcare costs.
30 Hours Free Childcare for Working Parents in London
The working-parent entitlement offers 30 funded hours per week for 38 weeks to eligible families living in England. London does not have a separate national entitlement, but boroughs and providers manage local delivery.
Child’s Age
The offer can begin from the term after the child reaches 9 months and can continue until the child starts school, provided the household remains eligible.
Parent or Parents Must Be Working
In a couple, both parents normally need to meet the work conditions unless an exception applies. A single parent generally needs to meet the work and earnings rules personally.
Minimum Earnings
Each working parent normally needs to expect earnings equivalent to the required number of hours at the applicable minimum wage over the relevant period. The precise cash amount varies according to age and current minimum-wage rates.
£100,000 Individual Income Limit
The household is not eligible if either parent expects adjusted net income above £100,000 for the current tax year. This is an individual limit, not a combined household limit.
Self-Employed Parents
Self-employed parents can qualify, subject to the scheme’s earnings and work rules. Special provisions can apply during a self-employment start-up period.
Starting a New Job
Parents about to start work may be able to apply before the job begins. The start date and childcare term affect the permitted application period.
Maternity and Other Family Leave
Eligibility can continue or begin in some maternity, paternity, shared-parental, adoption and related leave situations. The application timing can differ from that for parents already back at work.
Sick Leave and Annual Leave
Parents can usually continue to be treated as working during qualifying sick leave or paid annual leave, subject to the complete scheme rules.
Review current working-parent eligibility rules before applying.
Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds in London
Some 2-year-olds can receive 15 funded hours per week for 38 weeks through the Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds entitlement. This is separate from the working-parent offer.
Universal Credit and Low Household Income
A child can qualify where the household receives Universal Credit and has income within the scheme’s specified threshold, excluding benefit payments.
Income-Related Benefits
Eligibility can also arise through specified benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and the guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
Education, Health and Care Plan
A 2-year-old with an Education, Health and Care plan can qualify independently of the household’s ordinary benefits position.
Disability Living Allowance
A child receiving Disability Living Allowance can qualify for the entitlement.
Children in Care or Who Have Left Care
Eligibility can apply where the child is looked after by a local authority or has left care under specified adoption, guardianship or child-arrangements orders.
London Families With No Recourse to Public Funds
Some London families who cannot claim benefits because of their immigration status may still qualify. The London income limits are higher than those used outside London, reflecting the separate published thresholds.
| NRPF Household in London | Maximum Household Income After Tax | Other Main Condition |
|---|---|---|
| One Child | £34,500 per year | Savings and investments must not exceed £16,000 |
| Two or More Children | £38,600 per year | Savings and investments must not exceed £16,000 |
If the Parent Also Works
A family eligible for the additional-support entitlement may also qualify for the working-parent offer. The combined total cannot normally exceed 30 funded hours per week.
Why the Additional-Support Entitlement Matters
If a family qualifies for the 2-year-old additional-support hours, those 15 hours can continue even if the family later stops meeting the working-parent conditions.
Review the official 2-year-old early learning eligibility guide.
15 Free Hours for 3 and 4-Year-Olds in London
Every 3 and 4-year-old in England is entitled to 15 hours of funded early education or childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year from the relevant term after the third birthday.
No Work Requirement
Parents do not need to be working to receive the universal entitlement. It is not means tested and does not depend on claiming benefits.
When the Hours Begin
The start date normally follows the standard term cycle: January, April or September after the child reaches the qualifying age.
Using the Hours at a London Nursery
Families can use the hours with a participating registered provider. The nursery decides which funded sessions it can offer, subject to local and national requirements.
Combining With Working-Parent Hours
Eligible working families can receive up to 30 hours in total. For 3 and 4-year-olds, the universal hours form part of that total rather than being added on top to create 45 hours.
School Nursery Classes
Some London primary schools offer nursery classes using the universal entitlement. Opening hours may follow the school day and school term rather than full-day nursery hours.
Reception and School Entry
Funded early years childcare normally ends when the child begins a funded school place. Parents should confirm the final funded date with the provider.
How to Apply for Free Childcare in London
The application process depends on the entitlement. Working-parent childcare is generally managed through the national childcare account, while additional-support places for 2-year-olds are normally managed through the London borough.
Identify the Correct Entitlement
Check the child’s age, parent work position, income and whether the family or child receives additional support.
Apply Through the Correct Service
Use the online childcare account for the working-parent offer or contact the borough for additional-support 2-year-old funding.
Receive or Confirm Your Code
Approved working-parent applications normally generate an 11-digit childcare code in the online account.
Give the Code to Your Provider
The provider will usually need the code, the parent’s National Insurance number and the child’s date of birth.
Confirm the Funded Attendance Pattern
Agree the days, hours, term-time or stretched pattern, additional charges and actual funded start date.
Reconfirm Every Three Months
Working-parent families must regularly reconfirm their details through the childcare account to keep the code valid.
Information Needed for a Working-Parent Application
- National Insurance number.
- Unique Taxpayer Reference where relevant.
- Child’s date of birth.
- Partner’s details where applicable.
- Employment, self-employment and expected-income information.
- Expected return-to-work or new-job dates where relevant.
Do Not Miss the Term Deadline
Working-parent funding usually begins from January, April or September. Apply before the deadline for the relevant term and do not rely on a provider being able to backdate funding.
| Child Reaches Qualifying Age | Funded Hours Can Usually Start | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | 1 January | 31 December |
| 1 January to 31 March | 1 April | 31 March |
| 1 April to 31 August | 1 September | 31 August |
Check the official working-parent application dates.
Term-Time vs Stretched Free Childcare in London
Funded childcare is normally described as a weekly number of hours for 38 weeks. Some London providers allow the annual total to be spread across more weeks.
Term-Time Funding
The family uses the full weekly entitlement during approximately 38 funded weeks. This can work well for school-term schedules but can leave a larger holiday childcare bill.
Stretched Funding
The same annual funded total is divided across more weeks, creating fewer funded hours in each week. The precise calculation depends on the provider’s opening weeks and policy.
Example Annual Totals
A 15-hour entitlement across 38 weeks represents 570 funded hours in the year. A 30-hour entitlement across 38 weeks represents 1,140 funded hours.
| Entitlement | Term-Time Pattern | Annual Funded Total | Illustrative 51-Week Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Hours | 15 hours × 38 weeks | 570 hours | About 11.18 hours per week |
| 30 Hours | 30 hours × 38 weeks | 1,140 hours | About 22.35 hours per week |
Provider Opening Weeks
A nursery open for 50 or 51 weeks may calculate stretched funding differently from another provider. Ask for the exact formula in writing.
School Holidays
Stretched funding can reduce the holiday bill but usually does not cover every full-time holiday hour. Families may still need paid nursery sessions or holiday childcare.
Changing Patterns Mid-Year
Moving between providers or changing from term-time to stretched funding can affect the remaining funded balance. Ask both providers and the borough how transferred hours will be handled.
Read the 30 Free Hours: Term Time vs Stretched guide for a detailed comparison.
Is Free Childcare in London Completely Free?
The funded hours themselves should be available without families being required to purchase additional services. However, the complete nursery invoice may still include charges outside the funded entitlement.
Extra Childcare Hours
Any attendance beyond the funded allocation can be charged at the provider’s normal rate.
Meals and Snacks
Providers may charge separately for food. Ask whether families can supply an alternative where the charge is described as optional.
Nappies and Consumables
Charges can apply for nappies, wipes, sun cream, craft materials or other consumables. Request a clear breakdown.
Activities and Trips
Optional activities, classes and trips can create additional charges. Ask what happens when a family does not purchase them.
Registration and Deposits
A provider may charge registration or request a deposit, subject to its contract and local funding rules. Check whether the payment is refundable or credited.
Late Collection
Funded childcare does not cover late collection charges. London providers may apply substantial fees after the booked collection time.
Funded Session Restrictions
Some nurseries offer funded hours only in specified sessions. A family needing longer working days may have to purchase additional hours around the funded period.
| Possible Charge | Usually Covered by Funding? | Question to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Funded Early Education Hours | Yes | Which sessions can be used without a childcare fee? |
| Extra Hours | No | What hourly or session rate applies? |
| Meals | Often charged separately | Can the family provide food instead? |
| Nappies and Consumables | Often charged separately | Can the family supply its own items? |
| Trips or Specialist Activities | May be optional | What alternative is available? |
| Late Collection | No | How is the charge calculated? |
Use the Nursery Fee Calculator UK to estimate remaining fees after confirmed funded hours.
How to Find a Free Childcare Place in London
Families should search through the relevant London borough and contact registered providers directly. A provider may participate in funded childcare but have no available places on the required days.
Use Your Borough Family Information Service
Each London borough provides childcare information, local directories or early years contact details. Start with the borough where the child lives.
Search Near Home, Work and Travel Routes
London families may benefit from comparing nurseries near home, workplaces, Underground stations, rail routes or another regular carer.
Ask Whether the Provider Offers Funded Places
Do not assume that every registered nursery offers every funded entitlement. Confirm the scheme, age group and session pattern.
Confirm the Exact Room
Baby rooms, toddler rooms and preschool rooms can have different availability. Ask which room the child will join and when a move between rooms is expected.
Ask About Waiting Lists
Find out whether the waiting list is ordered by application date, age, preferred days, sibling status or another priority system.
Get the Offer in Writing
The written offer should state the start date, days, sessions, funded hours, additional charges, deposit and notice period.
Use the official postcode service for free early education and childcare to locate the correct London council service.
London Free Childcare Codes and Reconfirmation
Working-parent childcare is managed through an online childcare account. Once approved, the family receives a code to give to the chosen provider.
The 11-Digit Code
The childcare code is stored in the online account. The provider normally validates it using the parent’s National Insurance number and the child’s date of birth.
Reconfirm Every Three Months
Families must sign in and confirm that their details remain accurate. Reconfirmation is required even where nothing has changed.
Do Not Wait for the Code to Expire
Check the reconfirmation date regularly and act when prompted. Leaving it until after the deadline can create uncertainty about future funded sessions.
Grace Period
A child may enter a limited grace period when the household stops qualifying. The precise effect depends on timing and local validation, so families should contact the provider and borough.
Changing Provider
Give the code to the new provider and check the notice obligations with the old provider. The borough may need to allocate the funded hours between settings for the relevant period.
Code Not Working
Confirm that the code is current, the child has reached the correct term, the details match and the provider is attempting to validate the correct entitlement.
Application Still Pending
Most applicants receive a quick decision, but additional checks can take longer. Contact the Childcare Service where the application remains unresolved beyond the published timescale.
Read the Free Childcare Code Guide for application and troubleshooting steps.
Other Help With London Childcare Costs
Funded hours may not cover the complete working day or full year. Other childcare schemes can help with remaining approved costs.
Tax-Free Childcare
Eligible working families can receive a government top-up through an online childcare account. It can help pay for approved nursery, childminder, wraparound and holiday childcare.
Universal Credit Childcare Costs
Eligible working Universal Credit households may receive help toward approved childcare costs. Funded hours should be deducted before reporting the remaining amount paid.
Help While Studying
Eligible students may receive childcare support through student finance, course-specific schemes, college support or university hardship funds.
Employer Childcare Support
Some London employers provide workplace nurseries, flexible work, family benefits or access to existing childcare-voucher schemes where the employee joined before closure to new applicants.
Early Years Pupil Premium
Eligible funded children can attract additional funding for the provider. This does not normally become a cash payment to the parent, but it can support the child’s early education.
Disability Access Funding
Eligible children receiving Disability Living Allowance may attract additional funding to help a provider support access and inclusion.
Funded Hours First
Ask the provider to remove funded hours before calculating the remaining paid childcare cost.
Compare Support Carefully
Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare cannot normally be received at the same time.
Questions to Ask a London Childcare Provider
Use the same questions when comparing nurseries, preschools, childminders and school nursery classes.
Funding and Availability
- Do you offer the entitlement my child qualifies for?
- Is a funded place available on the days I need?
- What is the earliest confirmed start date?
- Do you accept both universal and working-parent funding?
- Can hours be split with another provider?
Attendance Pattern
- Are funded hours offered term time, stretched or both?
- Must funded hours be taken in fixed sessions?
- Is there a minimum number of paid hours?
- How are bank holidays and closure days handled?
- Can attendance days be changed later?
Additional Charges
- What will the actual monthly invoice be?
- Are meals, nappies and consumables optional?
- Is there a registration fee or deposit?
- Are trips and activities charged separately?
- What late-collection charges apply?
Contract and Changes
- What notice is required to leave or reduce sessions?
- What happens if eligibility ends?
- What happens if a code expires?
- How are annual fee increases handled?
- Can the funded delivery policy be reviewed before payment?
Related Free Childcare Guides
Calculate funded coverage, understand childcare codes and compare remaining London nursery costs with these related resources.
30 Hours Free Childcare Eligibility
Check work, earnings, income, child-age and household conditions for the working-parent entitlement.
Check Eligibility →Free Childcare Hours Calculator
Estimate weekly and annual funded hours using term-time or stretched attendance patterns.
Calculate Funded Hours →Free Childcare Code Guide
Apply for a childcare code, give it to a provider and reconfirm eligibility every three months.
Read Code Guide →30 Hours Term Time vs Stretched
Compare full weekly funded hours with fewer hours spread across more weeks.
Compare Funding Patterns →Nursery Fee Calculator UK
Calculate the amount payable after funded hours, discounts and confirmed childcare support.
Calculate Nursery Fees →Day Nursery Near Me
Search for registered day nurseries and compare availability, fees, opening hours and funded places.
Find a Nursery →Free Childcare in London FAQs
Answers to common questions about funded hours, London boroughs, childcare codes, provider charges and applications.
Check Your Free Childcare Options in London
Identify the funded childcare scheme that may apply, confirm the application route and prepare the questions to ask a London nursery, preschool, school or childminder.
Use the London Eligibility Checker