Funded early years education
There are different options for funding childcare. Find the right one for you on the Childcare Choices website.
From April 2024 the availability of nursery education funding will be expanding to include parents of two year olds who are working. Further information about the upcoming changes to childcare support, childcare funding, and when to apply can be found on the Childcare Choices website.
Nursery education funding is available for nursery, pre-school and childminder places. This usually applies from the term after your child turns three. From September 2024 funding will also be available for working parents of 9-month-olds, as well as parents of two-year-olds who receive certain benefits and meet the criteria.
- Funded early education and childcare for parents of two-year-olds who receive certain benefits or meet the eligibility criteria
- Funded early education and childcare for working parents of two-year-olds and from September 24 nine-month-olds
- Funded early education and childcare for three- and four-year-olds
Funded two year old early years education online application
Check if you are eligible and apply online.
Before you fill in this form
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself up to five minutes to fill in the form.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, and would like your child to attend a pre-school or other provider at two years and nine months old, you will need to pay until your child is eligible for the funding.
Our directory of support services lists childcare providers offering two-year-old funded places, approved by Ofsted. Early years education takes place in pre-schools, nurseries or with childminders.
You can also get free, tailored and impartial advice from Southampton Family Information Service.
