In Sefton, some two-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of free early education and childcare a week for 38 weeks of the year.

This can be taken up with an Early Years provider such as a childminder, nursery or pre-school that is registered with Ofsted and Sefton Council to offer funded places.

Is my child entitled to a free place?

You can claim a free place for your child if you receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Income support
• Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit – if you and your partner have a combined income from work of £15,400 or less a year, after tax
• Tax credits and you have an income of £16,190 or less a year, before tax
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Support through part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Working Tax Credit four-week run on (the payment you receive when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• You are excluded from claiming public funds because of immigration status, or lack of immigration status
• You are in receipt of support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989

Children are also eligible if they:

• Are a Local Authority ‘looked after’ child
• Have a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
• Attract Disability Living Allowance
• They have left care under a special guardianship order; child arrangements order or adoption order.

Some children will also be eligible for a free place if their parents or carers meet similar low-level income requirements. Visit the dedicated Childcare pages at the Sefton Council website to find out more.

How do I apply?

• Speak to a member of staff in your local Family Wellbeing Centre; or
• Speak with your Health Visitor or Social Worker; or
• Online via www.sefton.gov.uk/2yearolds

Please visit: www.seftondirectory.com/childcare for further information.