Children from 9 months old
Eligible families of children aged from 9 months old are entitled to some funded early years education. These places are available in Ofsted registered school nursery classes, state or private nursery schools (including independent schools), day nurseries, playgroups or pre-schools and childminders. They need to approved by the local authority to deliver early years education.
Further details can be found on the Hampshire County Council website.
Disadvantaged 2 Year Old Offer
The Disadvantaged 2 Year Old Offer allows eligible children to receive funded early years education from the funding period after their second birthday. The Hampshire County Council website has further details and to see if your child is eligible.
Working Families Offer
From 1 September 2024, the funded childcare offer for eligible working families was expanded to include parents of children over 9 months. Through this offer, eligible children from 9 months old are entitled to 570 funded hours of childcare per year. Parent/ carers must reconfirm eligibility every three months via HMRC's online Childcare Service.
All 3 and 4 year olds can receive up to 570 funded early years education: 'Universal Entitlement' or '15 Hours' per funded year. For children eligible under the working families criteria, an additional 570 hours of free early years education, 'Extended Entitlement' or '30 Hours' is available.
The Hampshire County Council website has more information about the working families offer, including how to apply.
Applications can only be made through His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), through the online service. For assistance with the online application contact the HMRC.