Funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
All 3 and 4 year olds can get 15 hours per week, for 38 weeks, of early education until they:
- go into Reception class
- reach compulsory school age (the term following their 5th birthday)
About the funding
Funding is available from the term after your child turns 3 years old.
| Born on or between | Terms for eligible funding |
| 1 January to 31 March | Summer term (April onwards) |
| 1 April to 31 August | Autumn term (September onwards) |
| 1 September to 31 December | Spring term (January onwards) |
Childcare providers
Providers must be Ofsted registered and included on the local authority list. They include:
- day nurseries
- pre schools
- nursery schools
- nursery classes
- independent schools
- childminders
We cannot fund any other types of care, including family arrangements.
You can find a list of approved childcare providers in our Family Information Directory.
Apply for a place
To apply for a nursery place visit the Cumberland Council website.
If you are applying with a private, voluntary or independent provider, you will need to ask them for an application form.
Using your 15 hours funded childcare
You can use your funded 15 hours:
- over a minimum of 2 days or a maximum of 5 days per week
- for a minimum of 2.5 hours a day and a maximum of 10 hours a day
- over 38 weeks
- pro-rota over a maximum of 52 weeks per year
- anytime between 6am to 8pm, depending on the sessions offered by your chosen provider
- flexibly with one or more childcare providers
- without paying for additional services
You don't have to apply for the 15 hours funded childcare. Your chosen childcare provider will do it for you.
You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.
30 hours funded childcare for working parents
Working families can get up to 30 hours funded childcare for 3 to 4 year olds.
Follow the step by step guide on GOV.UK to check if you are eligible and apply online.