Early learning is good for children. It's fun, social, creative and can help with children’s talking and listening skills.

Families across Torbay can receive up to 15 hours per week of free childcare, right up until their child starts primary school and some families may be eligible for you to 30 hours of free childcare.

Children that celebrate their 2nd birthday before 31 December 2021 and who’s family are in receipt of one of a number of benefits could start claiming free childcare from the start of the Spring Term in January 2022.

Free entitlement to childcare is available for all 3 and 4 year olds from the term after the child’s 3rd birthday; there is no restriction or eligibility criteria and there is no requirement to make an application. Children who turn 3 before 31 December 2021, can receive 15 hours per week of free childcare from January 2022.

Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds are also potentially eligible for an additional 15 hours a week childcare which is known as the ’30 Hours Free Childcare’. To be eligible both parents (or the sole parent, if a one parent family), will need to be in work and earning the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage.

There are a large number of Ofsted registered childcare providers within Torbay that parents and carers can choose from including day nurseries, school nurseries, pre-schools and childminders.

To make sure families choose the right childcare for them and their children, the ‘Choosing Childcare’ section offers lots of advice and tips.

Councillor Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Torbay Council, said; “We have many options available to parents who are looking for help with childcare costs. We urge families to look at what is available to them – you might be surprised to find you are eligible for more than you think. Entitlements can be used flexibly, depending on the type of provider chosen. All our Ofsted approved providers must be judged to be good or outstanding, meaning families can be confident that their children are receiving the best early years education.”

Families who think they may be eligible for the 30 hours free childcare entitlement from January, must ensure they make an application as soon as possible. The deadline for applications for 30 hours starting in January 2022 is 31 December 2021.

Help and support for childcare is available for parents and carers in Torbay through a variety of providers, such as childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, school nurseries and out of school care such as breakfast clubs, afternoon clubs and holiday play schemes. Visit the childcare page for more information.

• Learn more about free childcare for 2 year olds
• Learn more about free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
• Learn more about 30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds