Free early education for three and four year olds

A variety of childcare providers can offer Universal and Extended Free Early Education and Childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds including:

• day nurseries
• pre-schools or playgroups
• childminders
• nursery schools

Find out more about various types of childcare providers and the difference between them.

For a list of childcare providers in your area offering funded spaces, please see our Waltham Forest Childcare Directory or contact Early Years & Childcare Team on 0208 496 3566 or email childcare@walthamforest.gov.uk.

Once you have chosen your preferred childcare setting, contact them directly to arrange for your child to start. If you would like to take up any additional hours outside the Free Early Education Entitlement, the childcare provider will invoice you accordingly.

Please note that taking up a nursery place at a school does not guarantee a reception or Year 1 place at that school. There is a completely separate admissions procedure for reception and Year 1 classes in a school.