➭ When can I apply for the Childcare Offer?
You can apply the term your child turns three for funding to start the following term. Here are the dates for when applications open and eligible start dates for children:
You can apply the term your child turns three for funding to start the following term. Here are the dates for when applications open and eligible start dates for children:
Child’s Date of Birth
Applications Open
Earliest Start Date
01/09/2022 – 31/12/2022
22nd of October 2025
05/01/2026 – Start of Spring Term
01/01/2023 – 31/03/2023
28th of January 2026
13/04/2026 – Start of Summer Term
01/04/2023 – 31/08/2023
19th of June 2026
02/09/2026 – Start of Autumn Term
01/09/2023 – 31/12/2023
21st of October 2026
04/01/2027 – Start of Spring Term
01/01/2024 – 31/03/2024
20th of January 2027
05/04/2027 – Start of Summer Term
If you choose to access childcare whilst you are waiting for your application to be approved this will be at your own cost. Childcare Offer funding will not be backdated to pay for any childcare used before your application was approved.
Funding will start once your application has been approved and you have set-up a childcare agreement with your provider and this agreement has been accepted.
