Early years childcare for 9 months to 4 years

Childcare is becoming more accessible in Plymouth. Money is coming to Plymouth to open more childcare settings and increase places at existing Early Year childcare settings.

In September 2025 fully funded (free to the user) childcare will also be extended meaning more children will be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare.

30 hours of funded childcare

Children of working parents aged between 9 months and 2 years will soon be eligible for the same 30 hours of childcare that children aged 2 and 4 years have previously been entitled to.

This means working families will be able to claim 30 hours of funded childcare from the school term after the child is 9 months old, until the child reaches primary school age.

To find out if you’re eligible for 30 hours of extended childcare funding visit: Childcare Choices.

Universal childcare entitlement

Children aged 3 and 4 years will still be entitled to 15 hours of universal funded childcare regardless of their employments status. Subjects to earning conditions.

More information about your universal childcare funded can be found on the Childcare Choices site.

Finding childcare spaces in Plymouth

Plymouth City Council are distributing Department for Education grants to new and existing childcare settings to provides more places and a greater variety of settings across Plymouth.

A comprehensive list of early years childcare services in Plymouth can be found on the Plymouth Family Information Directory.

More detailed Information

A comprehensive guide to childcare in Plymouth can be found on the Plymouth City Council Website. Visit Plymouth Childcare Information.

If you have a specific question about your childcare entitlement or any question related to childcare services in Plymouth you’ll find a contact at the top of the page to contact Plymouth City Council directly.