Navigating the complexities of childcare can be challenging for parents, especially with rising costs. However, the UK government offers various funded childcare schemes to ease this burden.
In 2024, significant changes are underway that can benefit parents, particularly those with 2-year-olds. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how you can access and maximise these benefits.
Eligibility for 15 Hours Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds in 2025
Your 2-year-old may qualify for 15 hours of free childcare per week if you live in England and receive one of the following benefits:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Universal Credit, with a household income of £15,400 a year or less after tax (excluding benefit payments)
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (or both), with a household income of £16,190 a year or less before tax
The Working Tax Credit 4-week run-on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Additionally, 2-year-olds can get free childcare if they:
Are looked after by a local authority
Have an education, health, and care (EHC) plan
Receive Disability Living Allowance
Have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order, or a child arrangements order
Costs Beyond the Free Hours
While the 15 hours are free, you might have to cover additional costs such as:
Meals
Nappies
Additional hours beyond the free 15
Extra activities like trips
It’s essential to discuss these potential extra costs with your childcare provider before enrolment.
How to Apply for Free Childcare in 2025
To apply for the 15 hours of free childcare, you can contact your childcare provider or your local council. They can guide you through the eligibility and application process.
If you live in Totton area in New Forest, feel free to contact us or the Services for Young Children (SfYC) within Hampshire County Council within Hampshire County Council who support parents and carers accessing childcare
If You’re Not Eligible for Benefits-Based Childcare
Even if you don't qualify for the benefits-based scheme, you might still be eligible for free childcare under a separate scheme for working parents. Note that you can only benefit from one scheme at a time, so if you qualify for both, you must choose the benefits-based scheme.
Non-UK Citizens
If you are a non-UK citizen with ‘no recourse to public funds’ status, you may still be eligible for free childcare for your 2-year-old, provided:
You live in England
Your household income after tax is no more than £26,500 for families outside London with one child, £34,500 for families within London with one child, £30,600 for families outside London with two or more children, or £38,600 for families within London with two or more children
You have no more than £16,000 in savings or investments
Early Years Education (EYE) Funding for 2-Year-Olds
Eligible families of 2-year-olds and all 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to free Early Years Education (EYE). EYE places are available in Ofsted-registered nurseries, schools, day nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools, and childminders approved by the local authority. These providers follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards for learning, development, and care from birth to 5 years old.
EYE Funding Timelines in 2025
The entitlement to EYE starts in the funding period following your child’s second birthday:
Birthdays between 1 January to 31 March (Spring): Funding starts from 1 April (Summer term)
Birthdays between 1 April to 31 August (Summer): Funding starts from 1 September (Autumn term)
Birthdays between 1 September to 31 December (Autumn): Funding starts from 1 January (Spring term)
Expansion of Early Years Childcare Funding in 2025
From April 2024, EYE funding will be expanded in phases:
April 2024: Eligible working families of 2-year-olds can access up to 15 hours of funded childcare.
September 2024: Up to 15 hours of funded childcare will be available for eligible working families with children from the age of 9 months.
September 2025: Eligible working families with children from 9 months until they start school will be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare.
How to Access EYE Funded Places
To access an EYE-funded place, use the Hampshire Family Information and Services Hub (FISH) to find an early years setting. Complete the EYE Parent Declaration Form with your chosen setting, and declare if you will be using more than one early years setting.
Additional Considerations
Discuss with your early years setting about any additional charges for meals, extra hours, and consumables like nappies and sunscreen. Ensure you are clear on these costs before your child starts.
Stay Informed
For more details, sign up for notifications on the Childcare Choices website and check your eligibility regularly. Utilize tools like the childcare calculator to understand the support available and make the most of the funded childcare hours.
We hope thatWith these resources and information,
If you need further advise on how to maximise the benefit of your free childcare funding and provide the best early education opportunities for your child, we are here to help
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