Is your two-year-old entitled to free early education and childcare?
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 Seekersâ Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit â if you and your partner have a combined income from work of ÂŁ15,400 or less a year, after tax
- Tax credits and you have an income of ÂŁ16,190 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 âlooked afterâ 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.