15 hours of funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds

Derbyshire families on a low income or on certain benefits can get up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for their 2-year-olds.

Your 2-year-old can get 15 hours of funded childcare if you live in England and get one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Two-year-olds can also get free childcare if they:

• get Disability Living Allowance
• are looked after by a local authority
• have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order
• have a statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education, health, and care plan (EHCP)

If your household income is above £15,400 you may qualify for the 30 hours of funded childcare for working parents.

If you're a non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizen who cannot claim benefits

If your immigration status says you have 'no recourse to public funds', you may still get 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 outside of London with one child
• £34,500 for families within London with one child
• £30,600 for families outside of London with 2 or more children
• £38,600 for families within London with 2 or more children

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

When to apply and when funding starts if eligible

You can apply when your child is 18-months-old however we will not be able to check your eligibility until the term before the funding would be available.

If eligible the funding is available from the start of the term that follows your child's second birthday. If this date has passed it will be from the date of successful application.

The funding will then remain in place until your child is eligible for their 3 and 4-year-old funding, even if your circumstances change and you no longer meet the eligibility criteria.

This childcare is available for 38 weeks a year (during school term time). You may be able to stretch the hours over more weeks, depending on your childcare provider.

How to apply

The quickest way to apply is by completing the online application form.

Or you can:

• text 'Child' to 86555 (texts cost 10p)
• telephone: 01629 535793 from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday

The Families Information Service will process your application and if you're found eligible for the funding they'll email you a 6-digit eligibility code with your child's funding start date.

You'll need to present the code as proof of your eligibility to your chosen childcare provider before your child can take up a funded place. Your provider will then arrange for your child to start with them.

How to find a childcare place

There is a choice of early education providers such as a school nursery class, preschool playgroup, private day nursery or childminder. You can search approved providers on the childcare directory to find a place.

If you need any support finding a place to meet your needs contact The Family Information Service by email info.fis@derbyshire.gov.uk, or telephone: 01629 535793.

Paying for your child's early education place

Government funding does not cover:

• meals
• nappies
• additional hours
• additional activities, such as trips

So, you might be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.

If you choose to take up additional hours beyond your child's funded entitlement, this will be a private arrangement between you and the provider.

Schools and childcare providers must be open and transparent about any charges beforeyour child takes up a place, so you can make an informed choice.

Contact

If you have any questions about the funded childcare for 2-year-olds, please contact the Families Information Service:

• email info.fis@derbyshire.gov.uk
• telephone: 01629 535793 - lines are open on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or leave a voicemail and the team will respond as soon as possible