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Every year the government funds 570 hours of early years education for two-year-olds if families already receive some level of government support or meet other criteria.
This usually means 15 hours per week during term time – so for 38 weeks per year.
Research shows that early education can have positive and long-lasting impacts on children’s outcomes.
Children get the chance to make new friends, learn new skills such as sharing or taking turns, do messy play, improve their speech, language and communication, and prepare for school.
For families, starting childcare can also give some much-needed respite for parents and carers.
It might allow them the opportunity to spend time with younger siblings, to work or start looking for a job, to volunteer or train, attend appointments and, not least, have some time to themselves.
We’ll notify some potential parents but you can also check your eligibility on our website.
If the result shows you’re not eligible, there is an opportunity to add a referral note and our early years team will investigate.
The funding is awarded for the term after the child’s second birthday so if your child turns two between now and 31 August, you can now apply.
The funding will continue even if your family circumstances change, until your child becomes eligible for the 15 hours ‘universal’ early education that all three-year-olds in England are entitled to.
You can use your funding for any outstanding or good Ofsted rated childcare provider, whether this is a childminder, pre-school, day nursery, school nursery or pre-school provision.
Find the full list of local ones on our online directory.
If you need more help, email the early years team or call 01275 888 888.
You can also visit the Childcare Choices website.