Free early learning and childcare
Find out about free early learning and childcare for children under 5.
All 3 and 4-year-olds, and some 2-year-olds, in England can get free early learning or childcare, usually 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. Some working families can get up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for their 3 and 4-year-olds. Eligible working families with children under 2, can get 15 hours free, and from September 2025, eligible working families of children from 9 months old until they start in Reception, can get 30 hours a week. Find more information on the Childcare Choices website.
For more information about free early learning and childcare available at nurseries, including children's centres and primary schools, and some childminders contact the Family Information Service by email on FIS@islington.gov.uk or phone 020 7527 5959.
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Free early learning for 2 year olds
Some 2-year-olds of parents receiving some form of government support are eligible for up to 15 hours of free early learning a week.
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Free early learning for 3 and 4 year olds
All 3 and 4-year-olds can get up to 15 hours of free early learning a week. Eligible working families can get another 15 hours, up to a total of 30.
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Free childcare for working parents
If both parents are working, you could get free childcare. Find out more and how to apply.
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Local parent videos about free early learning
Watch videos in Turkish, Somali and English from parents who use our free early learning