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 2 year old places
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.
Free 3 and 4 year old places
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.
Free 30 hours childcare
There are 2 schemes that provide an additional 15 hours for eligible Camden families:
1) The government’s 30 hours of free early education and childcare for working parents.
2) The Camden Enhanced scheme for 30 hours of early education and childcare.
This scheme is aimed at Camden residents who are not eligible for the government's 30 hours for working parents.
Eligibility (PDF)
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 three 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.