Check and apply for free childcare hours and free school meals on GOV.UK

GOV.UK explains who qualifies for statutory free early education and childcare hours (15–30 hours for eligible 2–4 year olds, subject to parental and income eligibility) and for means‑tested free school meals for children in state schools. The site also hosts information on applying, local authority contacts and eligibility checks for these entitlements. Families access the services by following the guidance and application links for their local council on GOV.UK and using the online checkers where provided.