Free childcare in Camden
Council links and deadlines for funded hours in Camden, 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
| Autumn term (September start) | Code by 31 August |
|---|---|
| Spring term (January start) | Code by 31 December |
| Summer term (April start) | Code by 31 March |
Camden family information and early years
Camden also runs a local 'Camden Enhanced Offer' of 30 hours for Camden residents with 3 and 4 year olds who are not eligible for the working-parent 30 hours but meet set criteria (for example, a child looked after, with an EHC plan, or a parent on Universal Credit with net earnings of £15,400 or less). Two-year-old applications can be made from 18 months.
Checked against the council website on 22 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for free childcare in Camden?
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 Camden council. Camden council explains its own process on its website.
Which settings in Camden offer funded places?
Many of the 123 settings we list in Camden offer funded hours, but not all, and some limit the number of funded places. Ask each setting directly.
