Information for Ukrainian guests: childcare, school and university places

School places or childcare

Ukrainian nationals can apply for a school place for a child as soon as they arrive. Starting school can help children settle in and make friends.

Read the admissions information and apply for a school place on essex.gov.uk.

All families arriving from Ukraine will need to follow the established process for mid-year school admissions.

Free home to school transport

Some children are eligible for home to school transport. Find out more and apply for free school transport.

Free school meals

Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 (between 4 and 7-years-old) automatically get free school meals. Children in year 3 or above may be eligible for free school meals. This includes if their parent is receiving Universal Credit.

Read more and apply for free school meals on essex.gov.uk.
 

Nursery places and childcare

All 3 and 4-year-olds can get 15 hours of funded early learning a week until they go into Reception class or reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday).

Find out about funded childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds on essex.gov.uk.

Ukrainian families on a low income or on certain benefits could get up to 15 hours of free childcare per week for their 2-year-olds.
 

University places

Ukrainian refugees can apply for a university place in the UK and should be eligible for student finance support. More information is available from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) which offers a wide range of support for refugees and asylum seekers.