2-year-old may be eligible for free early education and childcare if the parent(s) meet the criteria below.

In receipt of:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit – if you and your partner have a combined income from work of £15,400 or less a year, after tax
  • Tax credits and you have an income of £16,190 or less a year, 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)

In addition, 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

If you’re eligible, the free early education and childcare:

  • Must be with an approved childcare provider
  • Starts from the term after your child’s 2nd birthday

Click the link to view the government website to check your eligibility