Free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

This page provides information about free childcare for all families of 3- and 4-year-olds. Find out about free childcare for other age groups and family types.

All families with 3- and 4-year-olds (including non-UK citizens) can receive up to 15 hours of free childcare per week. You can use these hours during school term time (38 weeks per year), or stretch them over the full year (up to 52 weeks) by using fewer hours per week.

How to apply

This funding starts the term after your child turns 3.

You do not need to apply for it online. Speak to your chosen childcare provider in advance to secure your child’s place and preferred hours.

Learn more at the Best Start in Life parent hub.

If you are an eligible working parent of a 3- or 4-year-old, you can receive an additional 15 hours of free childcare per week, on top of the 15 universal hours, totaling up to 30 hours free childcare. You can use these hours during school term time (38 weeks per year), or stretch them over the full year (up to 52 weeks) by using fewer hours per week.

Learn more at Best Start in Life parent hub and speak to your chosen provider about their funded places and admissions criteria.

Eligibility

To be eligible, both parents must be working.

If one of you is on leave for maternity, paternity, adoption, or unable to work due to disability or caring responsibilities – you may still be eligible.

If you foster your child, you may be eligible if certain conditions are met. Contact your child’s social worker, as the application process is managed separately by the local authority.

Non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits may still be eligible. Email us at 2yroldfunding@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for help.

How to apply

You can check your eligibility and apply on GOV.UK.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll get a code to give to your childcare provider. You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months, or your code will expire.

If you apply more than 3 months before a new term starts, reconfirm your details by the end of the month before the new term starts to stay eligible.

For further support with your application, please email 2yroldfunding@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Read more about finding childcare in Portsmouth.