15 hours free childcare for three and four year olds
15 hours free childcare is available for all children - from the school term after their third birthday, until they start school.
Children can attend on a part-time basis for 15 hours a week, for 38 weeks of the year. This equals 570 hours and can be taken as follows:
- Flexibly over a minimum of two days per week (no more than ten hours per day).
- Shared between two childcare providers.
- Stretched over more than 38 weeks (up to 52 weeks) - using less hours per week.
When your child can start
Your child is entitled to this childcare, from the start of the term following their 3rd birthday until they start school.
Child's third birthday | Your child's place will begin |
---|---|
September - December | January |
January - March | April |
April - August | September |
Who provides this childcare
- nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders - see Families Information Service: childcare listings, and filter on 'Free 3/4 yr places'.
- all of our nursery schools.
How to apply
If you are already using childcare, speak to them directly to apply. If you are not using childcare (or you wish to change), contact the nursery, pre-school playgroup or childminder that you'd like to use to:
- check if they have spaces
- see how flexible they are with the 15 free hours
Waiting lists
You can place your child's name on a waiting list for our nursery schools at the beginning of the school year (1st September to 31 August) in which your child has his or her second birthday.
What you can and can't be charged for when using funded childcare
The DfE state that all parents who are eligible should be able to access a funded childcare place, which must be delivered completely free of charge. This is set out in paragraph A1.30 of the current statutory guidance and A1.33 of the updated statutory guidance applicable from 1 April 2024. What is allowed - consumables and additions: What is not allowed:
- Childcare places
- childcare@durham.gov.uk
- 03000 268 913
-
Our address is:
- Childcare Places
- Durham County Council
- County Hall
- Durham
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DH1 5UJ