Free childcare in Barnet
Council links and deadlines for funded hours in Barnet, checked against the council’s own website.
- Working parents (from 9 months)
- Apply on GOV.UK for an 11-digit code and give it to your provider; re-confirm every 3 months. Apply on GOV.UK
- 2-year-olds with extra support
- Apply through the council. This link goes to the council's application. Apply
- All 3 and 4-year-olds (15 hours)
- No application to the council: speak to your chosen provider.
Deadlines for working-parent codes
| Working-parent code (30 hours) | Code by 31 March, 31 August or 31 December for a 1 April, 1 September or 1 January start |
|---|---|
| Early Learning for 2 year olds (benefits-based) | Code by No cut-off; eligible from the date the council finds the family eligible |
Barnet Family Services directory
The council issues a letter (not an 11-digit code) for the benefits-based two-year-old offer, and that eligibility does not need re-confirming. The phone and email are the council's Early Years Team.
Checked against the council website on 22 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for free childcare in Barnet?
Funded hours for working parents are applied for through the government’s Childcare Service, which gives you a code to take to your provider. The universal 15 hours for 3 and 4-year-olds needs no code: ask your provider. Your provider then claims the funding from Barnet council. Barnet council explains its own process on its website.
Which settings in Barnet offer funded places?
Many of the 207 settings we list in Barnet offer funded hours, but not all, and some limit the number of funded places. Ask each setting directly.
