Free early learning
Find out more about free and supported childcare for children from ages 2 to 4.
All 3 and 4-year-olds, and some 2-year-olds, in England can get free early learning or childcare, usually 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. Some working families can get up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for their 3 and 4-year-olds.
From April 2024, childcare support will start to be available to more parents. By September 2025, eligible working parents with children from age nine months up to when they start school could get 30 hours a week of childcare support. Find more information about expanded childcare support.
Free early learning and childcare is available at nurseries, including children's centres and primary schools, and with some childminders.
For further information about free childcare and early education see Islington's Free Early Learning, or contact the Family Information Service, 020 7527 5959 or FIS@islington.gov.uk.
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Free early learning for 2 year olds
Some 2 year olds are eligible to up to 15 hours of free early learning a week. Find out who is eligible and how to apply.
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Free early learning for 3 and 4 year olds
All 3 and 4 year olds can get up to 15 hours of free early learning a week. Some can get a further 15 hours, bringing the total to 30 hours. Find out more and how to apply.
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Free early learning: parent voices
Hear from parents who use free early learning