30 hours free childcare
If you are claiming the Universal 15 hour entitlement you may be eligible to access an additional 15 hours of funded early education and childcare a week if:
- you live in England
- you and your partner (if you have one) are working and expect to earn at least £167 per week (on average) - equal to 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage
- your child is three to four years old
However, if you of your partner have an expected adjusted net income over £100.000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.
You could still be eligible if:
- you or your partner are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities
The entitlement can be claimed by an approved childcare provider and stops when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later)
You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.
You can get the funded hours from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.
The 30 hour entitlement is a culmination of the Universal 570 hours and additional 570 hours, making a total of 1140 hours for you to use flexibly with one or more providers. Some providers will let you stretch the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.
Go to the step by step guide for 30 hours early education and childcare on GOV.UK
30 hours free childcare for foster carers
Foster children aged three or four can have 15 hours funded early education and childcare. They may also be eligible to 30 hours funded childcare.
Who is eligible
Foster children are eligible for 30 hours of early education and childcare is in their care plan. Both you and your partner (if any) must also be working outside your fostering role.
Talk to your social worker if you would like to find out more.
How to apply for 30 hours as a Foster Carer
Contact our early education support team
If you have any questions about funded early education and childcare - email earlyeducationsupportteam@rutland.gov.uk or call 01572 722 577.