Visit the Childcare Choices website for more information and to apply.
When your child is eligible
You can start claiming your funded places the period after your child turns 3 (or the period after your child turns 2 if they are eligible). The date you can claim will depend on when their birthday is.
| Child’s birthday between: | When you can claim: |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | From the 1 April following their 3rd birthday, or if eligible, following their 2nd birthday |
| 1 April to 31 August | From the 1 September following their 3rd birthday, or if eligible, following their 2nd birthday |
| 1 September to 31 December | From the 1 January following their 3rd birthday, or if eligible, following their 2nd birthday |
Example:
Your child was born on 15 February 2016. They’ll become eligible for the funded place from the 1 April 2019.
Starting school
Your child may be offered a place in a reception class when they are 4 years old if you've applied for a school place.
Once a child is attending school, even on a part-time basis, you're no longer entitled to funding.
Your child doesn't have to attend school until they are compulsory school age (the term after their fifth birthday).
Further information about starting school is in the 'Your Guide to Primary Education'.