The term dates for free early education are:
- Summer term: 1 April to 31 August
- Autumn term: 1 September to 31 December
- Spring term: 1 January to 31 March
If eligible for a funded childcare place your child will be eligible the term after their 2nd or 3rd birthday.
Free education and childcare for 2 year olds
We offer eligible 2 year olds free early education and childcare places, for up to 15 hours per week during term time.
You can apply when your child is 18 months old.
Check eligibility for 2 year olds
Free education and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
All 3 and 4 year old children in Camden are entitled to free early education and childcare places for 15 hours per week during term time. This starts from the term after their 3rd birthday.
There is no need to apply for this, just talk to your childcare provider.
30 hours free childcare
There are 2 schemes that provide an additional 15 hours of free childcare for eligible Camden families.
Government scheme for working parents
The government’s 30 hours of free early education and childcare for working parents.
To check your eligibility and to apply, visit Childcare Choices websitse
Camden Enhanced scheme
The Camden Enhanced scheme for 30 hours of early education and childcare is aimed at Camden residents who are not eligible for the government's 30 hours for working parents.
Camden Enhanced Offer Eligibility (PDF)
Apply for Camden Enhanced scheme
Deadlines
To apply for a place starting in September apply by 31 August.
To apply for a place starting in January apply by 31 December.
To apply for a place starting in April apply by 31 March.
Tax-free childcare
If you are a working parent or carer, you can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year per child) to help with the costs of childcare. If your child has a disability, you can get up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year per child).
You can use it to pay for childcare including childminders, nurseries and nannies, playschemes, before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs.
Check your eligibility and apply for free childcare funding on the Childcare Choices website.