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 (
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (
- Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
- tax credits, and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
2-year-olds can also get free childcare if they:
You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.
If you’re a non-EEA citizen who cannot claim benefits
Your 2-year-old may get free childcare if you are getting support under the Immigration and Asylum Act
- claimed asylum in the UK and are waiting for a decision (known as ‘part 6’)
- been refused asylum in the UK (known as ‘section 4’)
A 2-year-old you care for may also get free childcare if your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, and you have either:
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
