Croydon's Local Offer (Opens in New Window)

Activities, information, and services for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Types of funding that are available to help with childcare costs

Working families

The funding entitlement is for children from 9-months of age to 4 years to access up to 30 hours of funded early education and childcare.

2 year olds receiving additional forms of support

The funding entitlement is for 2-year-olds receiving additional forms of support to access up to 15 hours of funded early education and childcare.

All 3 & 4 year olds

All 3 and 4-year-old children can access 15 hours of free early education and childcare, from the term after they turn 3-years-old. Some 3 and 4-year-olds can access up to 30 hours of funding.

I am eligible for funding, what next?


I'm eligible, what should I do next?




Only childminders, day nurseries and pre-schools that are Ofsted registered and graded Good or Outstanding, can offer funded early education and childcare.


Please click here to find the childcare you need.


Once you have chosen, please call the setting to make an appointment to visit. It is a good idea to look at more than one setting.


Please take all the relevant documentation with you: your child's birth certificate, proof of address and the reference number or code given to you by the checking system. There should be no deposit charged on a funded place.



What isn't covered by the funding?


What isn't included?



Funding is not intended to cover the costs of:
  • meals or snacks
  • other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream)
  • extra hours or activities (such as trips)

Providers may charge a fee for these additions. Discuss with your childcare provider if you unable to pay these costs.

Charges should not be a condition of accessing a funded place.

Please note, the entitlement to a funded place does not offer the guarantee of a place at your preferred provider.

Additional funding


There are additional types of funding that you may be eligible for


Information about different funding that is available to support childcare costs:

  • You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. For more information visit Tax-free childcare
  • If you pay for childcare while you go to work, Universal Credit can pay some of your childcare costs. For more information, visit Universal Credit Childcare

Account Information

To view details about your account, please click here

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How Your Data is Used (Opens in New Window)

Click here to view the London Borough of Croydon Education & Youth Engagement Service - privacy notice
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