Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds
The UK government offers free childcare from the age of 2 years old for eligible families, but how do you know what you are entitled to?
The UK government offers free childcare from the age of 2 years old for eligible families, but how do you know what you are entitled to, and does it vary depending on where you live? We breakdown the detail and summarise the different schemes available to see what is right for you and your family. England Available: 15 hours free childcare during term-time Eligibility Criteria: To claim this free childcare you must receive one of the following benefits: Income Support Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Universal Credit and household income is £15,400 per year or less Child tax credits and household income is £16,190 per year or less Guaranteed element of Pension Credit Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) Or if your child: Is looked after by a local authority Has a statement of Special Education Needs (SEN) or an education, health and care (EHC) plan Receives Disability Allowance Has left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order Where can it be used: Full day care (for example nurseries), childminders, sessional providers (like playgroups) and Sure Start Children’s Centres What isn’t included: Meals, consumables like nappies and sun cream or additional activities and you may be charged in addition for these which you need to discuss with your childcare provider. Scotland Available: 30 hours free childcare during term-time Eligibility Criteria: To claim this free childcare you must receive one of the following benefits: Income Support Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based) Any income-related Employment and Support Allowance Incapacity or Severe Disablement Allowance State Pension Credit Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 If you are on Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £16,480 or less If you are on Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £7,500 a year or less If you are on Universal Credit, then your household take-home can be £625 a month of less Or if your child: Is looked after by a local council The subject of a kinship care order The subject of a guardianship order Wales Flying Start helps families with children under 4 years old in disadvantaged areas of Wales and includes part-time childcare for 2-year-olds. Contact your local Family Information Servic.
to see if you live in a Flying Start Area and what is available. Northern Ireland The Sure Start programm.
supports parents with children under the age of four living in disadvantages areas of the country.
https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/funded-early-learning-and-childcar.
https://gov.wales/get-help-flying-star.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/sure-start-services
The UK government offers free childcare from the age of 2 years old for eligible families, but how do you know what you are entitled to?