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When can my child...

go to a Children's Centre

From birth to 5 years. Children Centres are a place where parents, carers or families can attend. They can join in groups and receive support. Children Centres work in close partnership with other agencies to offer a range of services that reflect the local communities.

start using childcare

Day nurseries and Childminders can care for children from a few months old. Day nurseries will care for a child up to 5 years and childminders usually up to 12 years. Most preschools will take children between the age of 2 to 2½ up to the age for 5.

get help towards paying for childcare

Funded childcare for working families start at 9 months.
Up to 15 hours per week, is available for some 2-year olds
All 3- and 4-year olds can get 15 hours childcare

get help towards paying for childcare

Funded childcare for working families start at 9 months.
Up to 15 hours per week, is available for some 2-year olds whose parents are on government support. All 3- and 4-year olds can get 15 hours childcare

start in a school nursery class (Opens in New Window)

The September after the child reaches 3 years old. The applications for School Nursery Classes open in the January of that year.

start in a primary school (Opens in New Window)

Children can attend a primary school in the September after their fourth birthday.

start wraparound care or holiday playschemes?

Most out of school and holiday provisions will take children from the age of 4 to 12 years. A child aged 4 must also be in full time reception class and not in a nursery class.

travel free on London transport

Generally, the cheapest way for children to travel in London is by using a Zip Oyster photocard.
Children under 11 can travel free on buses and trams without needing a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard unless they look older than 10.  Apply for a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard

11-15 year olds can travel free on buses and trams and travel at half adult-rate on all other TfL services and most National Rail services in London with a Zip Oyster card

16 and 17 year olds can travel at half adult-rate on all TfL services and most National Rail services in London with a 16+ Zip Oyster card

be left home alone

There is no set age for leaving children home alone. The law says that you shouldn’t leave a child alone if they’ll be at risk.
The NSPCC offers the following advice on leaving a child at home

  • Never leave babies, toddlers and very young children alone
  • Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency. They should not be left at home alone for a long period of time
  • Children under the age of 16 should not be left overnight
  • A child should never be left at home alone if they do not feel comfortable with this, regardless of their age
  • All these things should be considered when leaving a child with additional needs at home alone or with an older sibling.

get a job

Part time
The youngest age a child can work part-time is 13. The exception is when children are involved in areas like television, theatre and modelling. Children working in these areas will need a performance licence
Full-time
Children can only start full-time work once they’ve reached school leaving age. Read more on child employment

leave school

They can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
They must then do one of the following until they are 18:
  • stay in full-time education, for example at a college
  • start an apprenticeship or traineeship
  • spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
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