Early Years childcare funding
To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).
Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.
From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).
Full information can be found in the DIN, search ‘Funded childcare entitlements and processes for overseas Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) with accompanying pre-school aged children’ on defnet: DINs Search or Defence Connect: Group: Defence Instruction Notices - DIN's | Defence Connect
Further guidance can be found on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect.
Families can find further information on Discover My Benefits - Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force
Early Years childcare within the UK
Defence remains committed to enabling access to appropriate, enriching, and safe childcare for the children of Service families.
Options are being developed for how Defence might provide parity in pre-school childcare for those serving within the UK, recognising that this is likely to have tax implications for those impacted. The options analysis will conclude during 2025.
Who to contact if you have any questions.
Early Years childcare funding overseas, email:
