Your child’s eligibility

To be completed with assistance from your chosen provider(s) if needed.

  • Disadvantaged 2-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours (over 38 weeks) of free early years provision if their parents meet the eligibility criteria. Apply through Ealing’s Families information service (FIS). children@ealing.gov.uk
  • Children aged from 9 months to 2 years are eligible for 15 hours (over 38 weeks) of early years provision if their parents meet the eligibility criteria. Apply through www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
  • All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 570 hours a year (15 hours over 38 weeks) (universal entitlement).
  • Eligible 3- and 4-year-olds from working families may be entitled to an additional 570 hours (30 hours entitlement) a year. Apply through www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

When to apply for 15 hours free childcare

You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.

When your child is 9 months old When you can get your hours from When to apply
1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January The term before 1 January
1 January to 31 March Term starting on or after 1 April The term before 1 April
1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September The term before 1 September

When to apply for 30 hours free childcare

You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks.

Your child’s 3rd birthday When you can get your hours from When to apply
1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January The term before 1 January
1 January to 31 March Term starting on or after 1 April The term before 1 April
1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September The term before 1 September

You must apply for a code by the end of the month before a new term starts. For example, if the term starts on 1 September, you must apply by 31 August. Providers may ask for a code before this deadline.