Free Learning and Childcare for 2, 3-and 4-year-old children

Attending a childcare setting helps children with their development and gain confidence for when they start school.  Your child will have fun learning through play in a safe and nurturing environment whilst making friends.

Many 2-year-olds can have up to 15 hours a week of free learning and childcare from the term after their 2^nd birthday.  Check if your child is eligible for 2-year-old funding on the Free learning and childcare for 2 year olds Kirklees webpage (opens link in new window)

All 3-and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free learning and childcare from the term after their 3^rd birthday. 

Working parents of 3-and 4-year-olds may be able to get an extra 15 hours of free childcare, therefore you could get up to 30 hours of free childcare.  Check whether your child is eligible for 30 hours free childcare on the Free learning and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds Kirklees webpage (opens link in new window).

You can get free places at childminders, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and schools with nursery provision.

The Council has a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient childcare and early education places that meet the needs of parents/carers in the area who need childcare so they can take up or remain in work and/or undertake education or training.  A comprehensive Childcare Sufficiency Assessment is carried out on an annual basis which details the supply and demand of childcare, affordability, accessibility and quality and the report highlights any gaps in childcare provision.  Childcare sufficiency assessment | Kirklees Council

The Council’s Childcare Sufficiency and Early Outcomes Teams work very closely with new and existing childcare providers to ensure they continue to remain sustainable and provide high-quality childcare.

Parents/carers experiencing difficulty finding suitable childcare can take advantage of the Childcare Brokerage Service  Help looking for childcare (kirklees.gov.uk)