How many free childcare hours do 3 and 4 year olds get in 2026/27?

Full answer

Free early years education entitlements in England have expanded significantly in recent years, with different rules depending on the child's age and the parents' working status. **Universal 15 hours for all 3 and 4 year olds** Every 3 and 4 year old in England is entitled to 15 hours a week of free early years education for 38 weeks of the year (term time), regardless of whether their parents work -- this entitlement has existed since 2010 and is not means-tested. **Extended 30 hours for working parents** Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds can claim an additional 15 hours, taking the total to 30 hours a week for 38 weeks, provided each parent (in a couple) earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage (whichever applies to their age), and neither parent has adjusted net income of £100,000 or more. **Expansion to younger children** Following staged rollout, working parents of children from 9 months old can also access 15 hours a week (from when the child turns 9 months, subject to term-time timing), rising to 30 hours a week once the child turns 3, under the same working parent eligibility rules -- extending the same broad framework used for 3-4 year olds down to babies and toddlers of working parents. **Worked example** A working couple with a 3 year old, both earning above the minimum threshold and both under £100,000, can access 30 hours a week of free childcare during term time -- equivalent to roughly 1,140 hours a year, potentially saving several thousand pounds annually compared with paying full nursery fees. **Stretching hours across the year** Many providers allow parents to "stretch" the 38 weeks of entitlement across all 52 weeks of the year at a reduced number of hours per week, which can suit working parents needing consistent year-round childcare rather than large gaps during school holidays. **Combining with Tax-Free Childcare** The free hours entitlement can be used alongside Tax-Free Childcare for any additional hours or costs (meals, trips) beyond the free entitlement, since the free hours only cover the base childcare hours themselves, not extras that some providers charge separately. **How to claim** Eligible working parents apply and reconfirm their eligibility every three months via the Childcare Choices/HMRC online service, receiving a code to give to their chosen provider.

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