Free childcare in Kingston upon Thames
Council links and deadlines for funded hours in Kingston upon Thames, 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 | Code by Received by the last day of the term before the term you want to start |
|---|
Achieving for Children Family Information Service (Kingston and Richmond)
Kingston and Richmond share one information site run by Achieving for Children. Families who meet the benefits-based two-year-old criteria apply by the council's online form first; working-parent hours are applied for on Best Start in Life. Families living elsewhere can still apply if the provider is in Kingston or Richmond.
Checked against the council website on 22 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for free childcare in Kingston upon Thames?
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 Kingston upon Thames council. Kingston upon Thames council explains its own process on its website.
Which settings in Kingston upon Thames offer funded places?
Many of the 78 settings we list in Kingston upon Thames offer funded hours, but not all, and some limit the number of funded places. Ask each setting directly.
