Kirklees Together

Did you know there is a wide range of free childcare options to support working families? Make sure you don’t miss out!

Who is entitled to free learning and childcare?

Some 2-year-olds whose parents receive certain benefits or a low income can have up to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year (school term time). The same free childcare offer applies to ALL 3 and 4-year-olds.

An extra 15 hours of free childcare is also available to some working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds (known as 30 hours free childcare).

Some childcare providers will offer free hours in the school holidays too. For example, children could have 11 or 22 hours each week for up to 51 weeks of the year.

The free early learning and childcare entitlements can also be used with other schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credits or Tax Credits.

How can you benefit?

Here’s an example: If a 2-year-old child attends nursery for 25 hours a week and is entitled to 15 hours free learning and childcare, this would leave just 10 hours to pay for. But if the parents are also eligible for Tax Credits they could claim back up to 70% of their childcare costs, leaving just 3 hours to pay for.

Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said:

“We want all of our children across Kirklees to have the best possible start in life. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed family circumstances for many people, but it remains vitally important for children to attend an early learning provider if at all possible.

This helps them to learn skills which are not only important in life but will prepare them for starting school. In turn, when a child enters Reception class with a good level of development, they are more likely to achieve.

I would urge people to check out the online information and see what kind of free support they are entitled to. Accessing free childcare is a great way to help your child whilst also creating the extra time you might need to work or study.”

Where can you take advantage of free learning and childcare?

Free learning and childcare places are available from a range of approved childcare providers, including childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups, as well as schools and academies which have a nursery.

Want to find out more?

Find out more about the free entitlements and tax-free childcare at:

The Childcare Choices website – check the criteria and use the childcare calculator to see which options would benefit your family.

Apply for 15 hours for your 2-year-old.

Apply for the extra 15 hours for your 3 or 4-year-old.

For help and advice, please get in touch with the Kirklees Family Information Service by emailing fis@kirklees.gov.uk or calling 01484 414887.

These examples are to illustrate the potential benefits to a family – please note they are dependent on individual family circumstances and the offers available at individual childcare providers.