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Early years support and activities (0 to 5 years)

Free Nursery Places and Childcare

Families in Chorley may be entitled to free nursery places, funded childcare and financial help to support the cost of childcare and early education. 

Free Childcare and Early Education Entitlements 

Up to 30 hours free childcare for working parents 

  • Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours of free childcare per week. 

  • Available for children aged 9 months to 4 years.

  • Available for 38 weeks per year, starting from the term after your child becomes eligible. 

  • Parents must apply through the GOV.UK childcare service and reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.  

15 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds (universal) 

  • All children aged 3 and 4 in England are entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week. 

  • Available for 38 weeks per year (term time). 

  • You don’t need to be working or on benefits to qualify. 

  • Children can start from the term after their third birthday.  

15 hours free early learning for eligible 2 year olds 

Some 2 year olds can receive 15 hours of funded learning if: 

  • Families receive certain benefits (such as Universal Credit), or 

  • The child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), receives Disability Living Allowance, or 

  • The child has been looked after by the local authority 

  • Funding starts from the term after the child’s second birthday and is delivered through approved childcare providers in Lancashire. 

Find out more information and how to apply

Shape Help with Paying for Childcare Costs 

Tax‑Free Childcare 

  • Can be used alongside funded childcare hours. 

  • Available for children under 12 years old (or 17 if disabled). 

  • Must be used with a registered childcare provider. 

  • Parents must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.  

Find out more information -  Tax-Free Childcare: What Tax-Free Childcare is - GOV.UK 

Universal Credit childcare element 

  • Families on Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of childcare costs. 

  • This cannot be used at the same time as Tax‑Free Childcare. 

  • Support depends on individual household circumstances.  

Find out more information - Universal Credit childcare costs - GOV.UK 

Applying for Free Childcare 

Parents can: 

  • Check eligibility for funded childcare hours 

  • Apply for codes for 30 hours childcare 

  • Manage Tax‑Free Childcare accounts 

Find out more information - Childcare Eligibility Checker - Best Start in Life 

Types of Childcare Available in Chorley 

Parents can use funded hours with registered childcare providers, including: 

  • Day nurseries and nursery schools 

  • Pre‑schools and playgroups 

  • Childminders 

  • Nursery classes in primary schools 

  • Out‑of‑school and holiday clubs (where age‑appropriate)

Providers must be Ofsted‑registered and approved to offer funded places.  

You can search for free early education and childcare - Find free early education and childcare - GOV.UK 

Finding Childcare and Getting Advice 

Lancashire Family Information Service (FIS) 

The Family Information Service offers free, impartial advice on: 

  • Finding childcare in Chorley 

  • Help with funded nursery places 

  • Support for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) 

  • Financial help with childcare costs 

Parents can contact FIS by phone or email for personalised support. Find out more information - Childcare advice - Lancashire County Council  

Children and Family Wellbeing Services & Family Hubs 

Local Family Hubs in Chorley provide: 

  • Early years and parenting support 

  • Health visitor and midwife services 

  • Stay and play groups 

  • SEND advice and support 

  • Links to funded childcare and early help services 

Support is available from pregnancy through early childhood and beyond. Find out more information on Family Hubs

Additional Early Years Support

Across Chorley borough, a range of community and private providers offer parent and baby/toddler groups to support families in the first stages of life. These groups support babies’ development and early learning, helping to build key skills and confidence to prepare them for pre‑school and future education. They also provide valuable support for parents, offering opportunities to learn, share experiences and reduce isolation.

Provision varies and can include free, low‑cost or paid‑for sessions, delivered in local venues across the borough.

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