30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
Overview
All families can receive up to 15 hours funded childcare per week (38 weeks per year) the term after their child turns 3. Everyone can access this, and there's no need to do anything other than apply for a place at your chosen childcare provider.
Many working families may also be able to receive an additional 15 free hours of childcare, raising the entitlement to 30 hours during term time.
The additional 15 hours of free childcare is available for families where:
- both parents are working (or the sole parent is working in a sole parent family), and
- each parent earns a minimum of the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and
- both parents earn less than £100,000 a year
If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.
See full eligibility details.
You may also be able to get other support to reduce the costs of childcare.
You will need to apply for a code to to get this 30 hour free childcare support. You will then provide this to your chosen childcare provider.
Where free entitlement places are available
In South Tyneside, free entitlement places is available in:
- schools and academies with a nursery class
- maintained nursery schools
- pre-school
- day nurseries
- childminders
When your child can start
Children can start from the term following their third birthday until they start full-time education, providing they stay eligible.
This is usually in the September following their fourth birthday.
Contact the provider for their term start dates and to arrange settling-in sessions.