Our vision in Haringey is to ensure that every child has the best start in life and to support them with the foundations of learning.
Early education and childcare are important for every 2, 3 and 4-year-old because they support communication skills including:
- speech and language
- social skills
- confidence
- preparation for starting school
Existing early education and childcare entitlements
Currently, parents can access:
- Up to 15 hours for eligible working families of 9 months to 2-year-olds
- Free 15 hours for parents of 2-year-olds receiving additional support
- Free early education for all 3 and 4-year-olds
- Free 30 hours childcare for working parents
Forthcoming expanded entitlements:
From September 2025, all working parents of children aged 9 months up to school age will be able to access 30 hours free childcare per week
Common questions
Why would I need free early education/childcare if I am at home with my child?
Early years education/childcare focuses on communication and language, social and emotional development, and physical development, which can be developed by learning through play. Children have the chance to be with other children and make lots of friends. They will be able to do many more activities than they can do at home.
Do I qualify if I am not working?
Yes. Currently if you have a 2-year-old (known as Free for 2s in Haringey) and meet one of the criteria, your child could benefit from a free place of up to 15 hours per week.
Alternatively, if you have a 3-year-old they are entitled to up to 15 hours per week of free early education. This free offer is for all 3 and 4-year-olds and there are no eligibility requirements.
I am a working parent, which free childcare and early learning offers can I take up?
See the following links:
- Free early education and childcare – online Free for 2s application
- Government Childcare Choices information – including childcare costs calculator
- The 'free childcare' offers: what parents and carers need to know – Early Years Alliance
When can my child take up their place?
2, 3 and 4-year-olds start the term after their 2nd or 3rd birthday.
| Birthday between | Term starts |
|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | 1 January (spring term) |
| 1 January to 31 March | 1 April (summer term) |
| 1 April to 31 August | 1 September (autumn term) |
How do I apply?
You may be eligible for Free for 2s if you:
- are currently receiving certain benefits
- are working and receiving support
The new 2-year-old expanded offer for working parents requires online application, as does the 30 hours offer.
The 3-and 4-year-old offer of 15 hours per week only requires a visit to your chosen childcare provider to register your child.
How do I find a childcare provider?
You will need to ensure that the childcare provider of your choice is registered and approved by us to offer free places. As places are taken up quickly, it would be useful to register your child at least 4 to 5 months before they turn 2 or 3. You can find details of registered Haringey childcare providers below.