Funded places for two year olds (if you are in receipt of certain benefits)
Some two year old children are eligible for a funded place - eligibility criteria can be found on GOV.UK. If you think your child might qualify, you can apply online via our Citizen Portal, or through an approved childcare provider. You will need:
- your national insurance number
- date of birth
- your child’s name
- your child’s date of birth
When visiting your chosen childcare provider, you will be asked to show your child’s birth certificate.
Funded places for three and four year olds
Every child aged three and four is eligible to access up to 570 hours of free early education per year, 15 hours term time or stretched over the year. The free places are available in settings that are Ofsted registered and are on the local authority register of eligible providers.
Working parents entitlement
Some children aged from nine months to school age may be eligible for a 15 or 30 hours place. The funding is to support working parents. Take a look at Childcare Choices for more details about the criteria and application process.
We have put together some 'things to remember' when going through and following the application process.
Help with childcare costs
Information about other types of help with childcare costs is available on the Childcare Choices website where you will also find a childcare calculator to estimate what you might be entitled to.
Check what help you could get with childcare costs using the Gov.uk Childcare Calculator.
Extra help
Please let us know if you can’t find the childcare that you are looking for by either completing our online form or emailing families@bolton.gov.uk, with details of the area that you are looking for and the age of your child/children. If you want to talk through your personal circumstances, please ring our helpline on 01204 332170.
Additional support can be offered to families of disabled children and young people to access short break opportunities, eg leisure activities.
Useful information
A guide to choosing quality childcare.
Using after school clubs, tuition and community activities - a parent and carer’s guide on the safeguarding arrangements you should expect from activity clubs, tutors and coaches.
Information on how to raise an issue regarding childcare
Inspecting registered childcare providers - information for parents
Employment and training
If you are looking for employment or training, you will find lots of information in our Jobs, Skills and Training section.
For young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), take a look at the Preparing for Adulthood section of the SEND Local Offer.
Parents and carers views
We work with childcare providers to help parents access affordable childcare at the times that they need it. Parents and carers can tell us what they think about childcare in Bolton by completing our short survey.
How to contact us
The Families Information Service main helpline number is 01204 332170, or you can email us at families@bolton.gov.uk. Alternatively, visit or contact one of the Start Well Family Hubs in Bolton.
We're also on Facebook and Twitter so follow us now for our latest updates.
Search for services for children, young people and families on My Life in Bolton.