Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Start free childcare from child's 3rd birthday not the term after

Closed 259 signatures

What the petition asks

Change the free 15/30 hours childcare offer so it starts at a child's 3rd birthday, and not the term after. Many families miss out on much needed months of support. Parents can miss out on up to five month's free childcare due to their child's birth date. This is unfair.
Currently, free childcare for 3 to 4 year olds is based on terms and is completely unfair as many miss out by days due to the current system. If the free hours are given from the child's actual birth date, this will provide much needed support to more families, especially with the current ever-rising economic crises.

Timeline

15 Jun 2022 Petition opened for signatures
29 Dec 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 259
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 15 Jun 2022
Closed 29 Dec 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.