The gov.uk Childcare for Service Children webpage can be found at: Childcare for Service children - GOV.UK
The section on moving to England from overseas or a devolved nation was amended on 6 Aug, and now reads:
Moving to England from overseas or within the UK
If you are returning from overseas or moving within the UK, please visit the Best Start in Life website to find out what is available in your area. The application process and deadlines may vary.
It’s not possible to apply for additional funded childcare online when you are outside England. If you are due to return to England from overseas or elsewhere in the UK after a term deadline, you can call the Childcare Service Helpline on 0300 123 4097 to apply for a free childcare code and request a manual application. The manual application must be completed before the term deadline.
Information on term deadlines and when to apply can be found in DIN - Early years funded childcare overseas. Search for the DIN on defnet or Defence Connect (accessible by
MOD personnel only).
Term during which you return to England | Term Deadline | Recommended time to apply |
1 September to 31 December | 31 August | 15 June to 31 July |
1 January to 31 March | 31 December | 15 October to 30 November |
1 April to 31 July | 31 March | 15 January to 28 February |
Parents can apply outside of the recommended dates, but they might not receive their code in time. Parents must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts.
Overseas
In overseas locations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) provides services (or access to services) that, so far as is reasonably practicable, conform in type, scope and standard to that required by legislation in England.