Parents and Carers - Early Education Funding

Some 2-year-olds will be eligible to receive 15 hours of funded early education and childcare per week, up to a maximum of 570 hours per academic year. Children must meet the date of birth criteria and parents must meet the eligibility criteria at either route 1 or 2

Eligibility Route 1

Help paying for childcare: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Eligibility Route 2

2-year-olds may also get free childcare if they:

• are looked after by a local authority, for example a Foster Carer – proof of evidence will be required, such as– A letter from a relevant professional with the child`s name and date of birth.
• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan- a letter from a relevant professional with the child`s name and date of birth regarding the EHCP awarded.
• the child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance Evidence – award letter for DLA
• the child has left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order - a letter from a relevant professional with the child`s name and date of birth or special guardianship, adoption or residence order from the court.
• the child is supported through a child protection plan or child in need plan. A letter from the lead Social Worker would be required as evidence.
• Coventry SEND the child has a diagnosed syndrome, condition or disability that significantly affects the ability to access learning or has 12 months developmental delay in 2 or more out of the 4 areas of need. These are:
  • Communication and Interaction
  • Cognition and Learning
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties
  • Sensory and / or Physical needs
    and
  • the child is accessing additional services provided by health or local authority professionals

• Early Help support – the child is accessing additional services provided by health or local authority professionals and the total household income of £20,000 or less a year, after tax

Proof of the parent’s total household income for a year, after tax and a letter from the relevant professional will need to be submitted when applying

If you are a non-EEA citizen who cannot claim benefits:

If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still be entitled to receive free childcare for your 2-year-old.

You must live in England and your household income must be no more than:

• £26,500 for families with one child or
• £30,600 for families with two or more children.

You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

Proof of evidence will be required when applying and the completion of a Self-Declaration Form must be submitted onto the portal, along with copies of the parent’s Biometric Cards or Aspen Card.

An eligible child can access a funded place the term after their second birthday.

If you have legal responsibility for a 2-year-old or a child that is nearly 2, you can apply for a targeted 2-year-old funding code.

Or you can visit your local Family Hub or ask a childcare provider to assist with an online check.

Once eligibility is confirmed you need to take the code to your chosen childcare provider and agree how the funding will be used.

Once a child has started a Targeted 2-year-old funded place, they will not lose this eligibility, even if your financial circumstances change. The child will continue to be able to access this funding until they seamlessly transition to universal funding, which is an entitlement for all 3- & 4-year-olds.