FREE Childcare for Two Year Olds.....
If you receive certain benefits you can apply online for free childcare and early education for your 2 year old. If your child is eligible, they can receive up to 15 hours childcare and education a week, for the 38 weeks of the academic year.
1. Is my child eligible for a free place?
You can claim a free place for your child if you receive one or more of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Guaranteed element of State Pension Credits
Child / Working Tax Credits and annual gross earnings of less than £16,190
Working Tax Credit 4 week run on (the payment you receive when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Universal Credit Eligibility Criteria will be confirmed at a later date.
Children are also eligible if they:
Are a Local Authority looked after child
Are a child of a care leaver (Under the age of 25 years)
Have a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan
Access a Disability Living Allowance.
2. How do I apply for a place?
Complete our online application form by clicking this link HERE
To find out if your child is eligible we will use your National Insurance number and date of birth to check if your child can have a free childcare place and let you know if you are eligible or not.
We may also require additional evidence. For Working Tax Credit applications, we will need a copy of your award letter TC602(A) If you are eligible a member of the School Readiness Team or a Family Development Worker from your local Childrens Centre will contact you. They can support you to find a childcare setting near your home or if you prefer you can check online for a nursery setting or childminder near to your home and contact them to secure a place for your child.
If you require any help or advice you can contact us at the email below or if you would prefer to speak to someone in the School Readiness Team you can call 0151 933 6021 Mon- Fri 9am-5pm.
3. When is my child entitled to a free place?
If your child’s 2nd birthday falls between 1 January – 31 March, they will become entitled to a free place from the start of the Summer Term (after Easter). If your child’s 2nd birthday falls between 1 April – 31 August, they will become entitled to a free place from the start of the Autumn Term (early September).
If your child’s 2nd birthday falls between 1 September – 31 December, they will become entitled to a free place from the start of the start of Spring Term (early January).
4. My child is eligible, what do I do next?
Complete the e-form provided, stating where you would like to access your early education and childcare. Sefton's School Readiness Team will then contact you to talk you through your options.
Read more on the Sefton Council Website by Clicking HERE
