Free Early Education Places (FEE)

Central government scheme providing free childcare for 2-4 years old.

The Free Early Education Entitlement is a central government scheme funded by local authorities. The scheme provides up to 15 or 30 hours per week of free childcare for children aged 2, 3 or 4 years old (subject to eligibility criteria) until they reach compulsory school age.

Funded early education entitlement (FEEE) places

For 2 year olds

There are two schemes available for families with two-year-old children. Which one is right for you depends on your or your child's circumstances. Find the one that best suits you.

Offer 1

You receive income related benefits such as:

  • Universal Credit and not working
  • Universal Credit and earning less than £15,400 per year
  • Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, and earning under £16,190 per year

 Your child:

  • has a special educational need or disability
  • is adopted or under a care arrangement

You are a non-UK citizen 

  • who cannot claim benefits and have a 'no recourse to public funds' visa

Apply for offer 1

If you believe this scheme is for you, find more information and how to check your eligibility on the Leeds City Council parent portal. https://parentportal.leeds.gov.uk/Synergy/Childcare/2YOparentapplication.aspx

Offer 2

Eligibility depends on whether:

  • you, and any partner, work
  • your, and any partner‘s, income
  • your immigration status

You, and any partner:

  • must expect to earn (on average) the equivalent to 6 hours at the national minimum or living wage
  • must not earn more than £100,000 a year

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or unable to work because of disability or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.

Apply for offer 2

If you believe you are eligible for this scheme, visit the Government's Childcare Choices website for more information and to apply Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For 3 and 4 year olds

All 3- or 4-year-olds living in England can claim 15 hours funded childcare and early education, from the start of the term after their third birthday. You do not need any eligibility code and this is available regardless of the parents’ immigration status. Apply through a registered provider, which you can find using this site:

Synergy - Search By Route (leeds.gov.uk) 

FEEE is intended to cover access to high quality learning at a childcare provider. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, snacks, additional activities or consumables. It is best that you speak to your childcare provider before signing an agreement to check if there are any additional charges, and how you can take up your hours. 

If you are a working family, you may also get an extra 15 hours. Visit the Government's Childcare Choices website Homepage | Childcare Choices for more information and to apply Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For under 2 year olds

If you are a working family, you may be eligible to claim 15 funded childcare hours per week.

Eligibility depends on whether:

  • you, and any partner, work
  • your, and any partner‘s, income
  • your immigration status

You, and any partner:

  • must expect to earn (on average) the equivalent to 6 hours at the national minimum or living wage
  • must not earn more than £100,000 a year

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or unable to work because of disability or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.

If you believe you are eligible for this scheme, visit the Government's Childcare Choices website for more information Homepage | Childcare Choices and to apply Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)