This service is managed by Education
Free childcare for two year olds
If you are on certain benefits, or if your child has experience of being in care, your two year old may be entitled to a free early learning and childcare place.
Registration for a two-year-old place should be completed no earlier than three months before the child's second birthday.
When can my child start?
| Child's second birthday falls between | Eligible to start |
|---|---|
| 1 March-31 August | August (autumn term) |
| 1 September-31 December | January (spring term) |
| 1 January-28 February | April (summer term) |
Which benefits qualify?
Your child may be entitled to a funded place if you are in receipt of any of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (with a monthly earned income of less than £885)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (support for asylum seekers)
What counts as care experience?
Your child may also be entitled to a funded place if you or your child has experience of care. This means having been looked after by a local council, or by a kinship carer or guardian such as a family member or close friend.
Forms
The two-year-old registration form can be accessed via the button below: