Early Education and Childcare

Free Early Education for up to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year is available for all 3 and 4 year olds with registered early years / childcare providers. 

In addition, eligible working families with a 3 and 4 year old may also be entitled to an additional 15 hours, a total of 30 hours per week for up to 38 weeks.  

From September 2025, Eligible working families with a child aged 9 months to 3 years old can now claim up to 30 hours per week for up to 38 weeks.

Eligible families with a 2 year old who live within Tameside and are in receipt of additional forms of government support can access up to 570 hours funded early learning a year, taken as no more than 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year.