Free childcare hours and free school meals guidance on GOV.UK

GOV.UK provides details of universal and means‑tested entitlements such as free childcare hours for eligible 2–4 year olds (15 or 30 hours depending on eligibility), and eligibility rules for free school meals for children from low‑income families. It explains who qualifies, how entitlements differ across the UK nations, and gives step‑by‑step instructions to apply through your local council or employer. Start by visiting the GOV.UK pages for childcare and free school meals and entering your postcode to find local services.