Paying for childcare
Wrapround childcare
All parents in England with primary school-aged children can access wraparound childcare. There are no eligibility criteria for accessing new wraparound childcare places.
Funded childcare for 9 months-23 months
From September 2024, up to 15 hours of childcare and early education will be available for eligible working families in England with a child aged between 9 and 23 months old. Working parents are eligible if they earn equal to a minimum of 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage and less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year. Working parents can apply direct at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
Funded childcare for 2 year olds
If you receive some additional forms of government support or you are working and on low income you can apply direct with the county council for 15 hours of funded early education and childcare for your 2-year-old. Working parents are eligible if they earn from 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage and less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year. Working parents can apply direct at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
Funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
From the term after your child's third birthday, they can have up to 15 hours a week at a local nursery or with a childminder funded by the government.
Funded childcare for foster carers
Foster carers may be able to claim funded childcare depending on the age of the foster child and their circumstances.
30 hours funded childcare
Eligible working families can get an additional 15 hours funded childcare on top of the 15 hours universal funded childcare.
Help paying for childcare
Financial support for you and your family.
Funded places for 3 and 4-year-olds
All 3 and 4-year-old children are entitled to up to 15 hours per week at a local nursery or with a childminder.
Hear from a Lancashire parent and an early years provider.
Funded places for 2-year-olds
Play, learn and grow with a local nursery or childminder.
Hear from our Lancashire providers about the benefits of a 2-year-old place.