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

GOV.UK is the official UK government website where parents and carers can check eligibility for free childcare hours (the universal 15‑hour and extended 30‑hour offers for qualifying families), and view guidance on free school meals for eligible pupils. The site explains who qualifies, documents required and how to apply online or via your local council; it covers schemes across England (and links to devolved government pages for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Visit the GOV.UK homepage to find the eligibility checkers and application pages.