Early Years Funding
Published: 01 July 2020
Is your child eligible for funded early education?
Your three and four year old child could be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded early education a week. Loss of employment and income as a result of the pandemic means that there are many families who are facing financial difficulties, perhaps for the first time. If you're one of these families you might not realise that you're now entitled to funded early education.
We offer 15 hours of funded education for all children age three and four, regardless of circumstances and for those families needing extra support we offer 15 hours for children age two. For working families, where one or more parent or carer is working more than 16 hours a week, we offer 30 hours of funded early education for three and four year olds.
Who is eligible for funded early education?
15 hours for some two year olds
Eligible families can receive up to 15 hours of funded early education a week for their two year old in a nursery, pre-school or with a childminder. Families receiving income support, child tax credit or working tax credit are eligible to receive this funding for their child, but check the FEET (Funded Early Education for Two Year Olds) webpage to see a full list of eligibility criteria and to find out how to apply.
15 hours for all three-four year olds
15 hours of universal funded early education is available for all three and four year olds regardless of circumstance and you do not need to apply, just visit your local childcare provider to secure a place.
30 hours for working parents
Three and four year olds with a parent or carer working a minimum of 16 hours a week, providing the income of either parent or carer does not exceed £100,000 a year, can apply for 30 hours of funded early education through the Government's Childcare Choices website.
Please note, you need to renew your code every three months to continue claiming the funding.
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