Help with the cost of childcare

Early Learning for 2 year olds
Early Learning for 2 year olds is part of Best Start in Life and is:

  • For eligible 2 year olds, Somerset Council will pay for a place for up to 570 hours over a year at a registered childcare provider

  • A maximum of 15 hours per week is available 

  • Children become eligible in the funding period after their second birthdayCheck eligibility & apply: Early Learning for 2-year-olds

Early Years Entitlement (15 hours Universal Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds)
All 3 and 4 year old children are eligible for up to 570 hours of funded childcare over a year, for example, 15 hours per week for 38 weeks.  Children become eligible in the funding period after their third birthday.Early Years entitlement for parents

Working Families Entitlement
Working parents of children aged from 9 months up to their third birthday can claim up to 1140 hours of funded childcare over a year, for example 30 hours a week for 38 weeks. Parents of children aged from 9 months will need to meet the criteria and receive a valid eligibility code to be eligible for the working families entitlement. Children become eligible in the funding period after they turn 9 months old.

Check eligibility & apply: Best Start In Life — Childcare Checker