Free childcare in Brent
Council links and deadlines for funded hours in Brent, 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
| Spring term (starts 1 January) | Code by 31 December |
|---|---|
| Summer term (starts 1 April) | Code by 31 March |
| Autumn term (starts 1 September) | Code by 31 August |
Brent Children's Family Information Service
The council page says a working-parent code is needed by 31 March, 31 August or 31 December for the following term. Parts of the page still describe the 15-hour working-parent offer, so use GOV.UK for current hours.
Checked against the council website on 22 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for free childcare in Brent?
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 Brent council. Brent council explains its own process on its website.
Which settings in Brent offer funded places?
Many of the 158 settings we list in Brent offer funded hours, but not all, and some limit the number of funded places. Ask each setting directly.