Free childcare in Havering
Council links and deadlines for funded hours in Havering, 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.
Havering Family Services Hub
The council's hub states that Best Start in Life has replaced Childcare Choices as the government site, and publishes a Parent's Guide to Early Education 2026-2027.
Checked against the council website on 22 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for free childcare in Havering?
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 Havering council. Havering council explains its own process on its website.
Which settings in Havering offer funded places?
Many of the 143 settings we list in Havering offer funded hours, but not all, and some limit the number of funded places. Ask each setting directly.
