Two year old funding
The term after your child turns two could mean they’re entitled to 15 hours a week, for 38 weeks of the year of free early education.
Do I qualify?
You could get 15 hours of free childcare for your 2 year old if:
- you’re on a low income
- earn no income
- receive certain benefits
- your child has specialist needs and is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- a child you provide care for is looked after by the Local Authority
How does it work?
- Minimum of two days a week
- Sessions can’t be longer than 10 hours a day, or shorter than 2 and a half hours a day
- Hours must be taken between 6am and 8pm
- Funding can be split between a maximum of two providers
| If your child turns 2 on or between | You can apply for two year old funding from | Your child can start their early education from |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April to 31 August | 1 April | September intake |
| 1 September to 31 December | 1 September | January intake |
| 1 January to 31 March | 1 January | April intake |
Before you can apply online you must login or register on MyNelincs.
Choosing a childcare provider
Your entitlement to free childcare doesn’t guarantee you a place with your first choice of childcare provider. It’s up to a provider what hours and places they offer, and you need to check that what spaces are available.
View the list of Early Years providers (PDF, 365KB) who offer funded places.
Contact details
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01472 326292 (option 1)
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm except bank holidays
More information at: Childcare Choices