Some eligible two-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early education. Eligibility is decided using similar criteria to those children who would qualify for free school meals. Two-year-olds who have a statement of special educational needs or who are receiving Disability Living Allowance are entitled to a free place.
Eligibility for 2-year-olds
Your 2-year-old can get free early education and childcare if you get one of the following:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- tax credits and you have an annual income of under £16,190 before tax
- the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
- the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
A child can also get free early education and childcare if any of the following apply:
- they’re looked after by a local council
- they have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- they get Disability Living Allowance
- they’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
Visions Children Centre can tell you if your two-year-old qualifies for the free offer as well as helping you find a free place.
Find out if you are eligible for funding by contacting Visions Children's Centre on 01572 758383 or email visions@rutland.gov.uk
