evidence: In Northern Ireland, funded preschool places of at least 12.5 hours, or 22.5 hours for some children, per week are available for children in the year before they start school. Families can apply for a pre-school place in Northern Ireland through the Education Authority website. [...] How to make the most of free childcare - Check what you are eligible for. For families in England who are unsure which types of support they are entitled to, the government’s childcare calculator is a helpful place to start. This calculator can also be used by families in Scotland and Northern Ireland to give an estimate of the funding they may be able to access. Families in Wales can check their eligibility on the Childcare Offer for Wales website.