Childcare Funding

Funding - 2 year olds

Childcare funding help for 2 year olds

From April 2024 working parents of 2-year-olds who qualify for extended funding may be entitled to up to 15 hours of funded childcare. Designed to support early development and ease the financial burden on families, this new scheme aims to provide valuable opportunities for children to learn, play, and grow in a nurturing environment. The 15 hours early learning is available for families receiving additional forms of support.

For families exploring childcare options in Purbrook, Waterlooville, Deverell Hall Pre-school have put together some key information to help parents understand the funding options available for 2 year old children. On this page you will find all the details you need to make clear and informed choices.

Childcare funding for 2 year olds

Up to 15 hours funded childcare

All eligible working parents of children aged 2 years may be entitled to 15 hours of free childcare or early education per week for 38 weeks of the year, or stretch them over the full year (up to 52 weeks) by using fewer hours per week. This funding can be used flexibly with one or more providers until your child begins school.

Eligible working families can access up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week. To qualify, the key points are:

Each parent must earn a minimum equivalent to 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage.
Earnings will be under £100,000 adjusted net income/year.

Contact Us Today →

Guidance and Help on this topic

When will my childcare funding start

The date you start or return to work determines when your free childcare begins. This can vary according to the time of year when you return to work. For example:

You return to work anywhere between 01 October to 31 January in that given year, then funding would start from the term on or after 01 January.

You return to work anywhere between 01 February to 30 April in that given year, then funding would start from the term on or after 01 April.

Two-year-old children will be eligible for a funded nursery place if they meet either criteria one, two, three, or four

Criteria One - Working Parents:
From September 2024 working parents of 2 year olds who qualify for extended funding may be entitled to up to 15 hours of free childcare, for 38 weeks of the year (or fewer hours over more weeks).

Criteria Two - In receipt of benefits:
Children whose parents/carers are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits -
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Universal Credit - if you and your partner have a combined income from work of £15,400 or less a year, after tax
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Tax credits and you have an annual income of no more than £16,190
Working Tax Credit four-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

Criteria Three - Looked after children:
Children looked after by the Local Authority. Either children currently in care or children who have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order. Social worker details are required to verify eligibility for this.

Criteria Four - SEND:
Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) as defined by:

Children in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Child with a current Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEND)
Child with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

If you speak to our Preschool Manager or one of Team Members, to see if we can offer you a place first, then we can advise you the best way to move forward. You can also find out more information online at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/15-and-30-hours-childcare-support

We provide daycare in Purbrook and Waterlooville
  • We are committed to ensuring that your children make good progress;
  • We engage with families, which is an integral part of their children's achievements and future progress;
  • Children are encouraged to try things by themselves which promotes confidence and independence.
Contact Us Today