Guidance

Free Early Years Childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to school starting age (including 15 or 30 hours' free childcare)

Updated 4 September 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-service-personnel-and-their-families-on-child-welfare-policies/free-early-years-childcare-entitlement-for-three-and-four-year-olds-including-30-hours-free-childcare

The Offer

UK

  • England: 15 hours for all children aged 3 and 4; 30 hours for children aged 9 months to school starting age with eligible working parents for 38 weeks per year (during term time).
  • Scotland: 1,140 hours for children aged 3 years to school starting age for 38 weeks per year (during term time).
  • Wales: a minimum of 10 hours per week of nursery education for all children aged 3 to 4 years; up to an additional 20 hours per week of funded childcare for eligible parents of 3 to 4-year-old children during term-time, rising to 30 hours of funded childcare for up to 9 weeks during school holidays.
  • Northern Ireland: 12.5 hours per week of free pre-school education for 3 to 4-year-old children for 38 weeks per year (during term time).

Overseas

In Defence Children Services (DCS)-provided schools or settings, 15 and 30 hours’ funded childcare can be accessed free of charge.

In non-DCS schools or settings, parents can claim a refund via the Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA). To apply, search for the DIN: ‘Funded childcare entitlements and processes for overseas Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) with accompanying pre-school aged children’ on defnet or Defence Connect (accessible by MOD personnel only).

What parents need to do

  1. Before accepting an overseas assignment, we encourage all parents to contact the Overseas Education and Supportability team at RC-DCS-HQ-OES@mod.gov.uk for advice and guidance.
  2. If moving within the UK, check what the local offer is prior to moving to avoid missing out on free hours.
  3. Engage with early years childcare providers early.

Eligibility

Every parent with children aged 3 and 4 years is eligible for the universal free childcare entitlement from the term following their child’s third birthday.

Additional hours

For full details, please read the DIN: ‘Funded childcare entitlements and processes for overseas Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) with accompanying pre-school aged children’ on defnet or Defence Connect (accessible by MOD personnel only).

England

For the current childcare offer in England and guidance, parents should visit: Childcare Choices.

Scotland

For the current childcare offer in Scotland and information about early learning and childcare (ELC), parents should visit: Parent Club  or mygov.scot.

Wales

For the current childcare offer in Wales, parents should visit the Welsh Government website.

Northern Ireland

For the current childcare offer in Northern Ireland and guidance, parents should contact 38 (Irish) Brigade at: RC-AWS-38X-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

If you have any issues applying online for the Free Early Years Childcare, please call the Childcare Service Helpline on 0300 123 4097.

In overseas locations, the MOD will mirror entitlements which parents would have access to in England to ensure they are not disadvantaged.

For full details, read the DIN: ‘Funded childcare entitlements and processes for overseas Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) with accompanying pre-school aged children’ on defnet or Defence Connect (accessible by MOD personnel only).

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