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Free childcare and early education for 2 year olds

If you are receiving the qualifying benefits, your 2 year old can access 15 hours of early education for free each week, for 38 weeks of the year. You can take these 15 hours as flexibly as your childcare provider can offer.

* In addition to the qualifying benefits above the Department of Education has also included the following 2 criteria:

  • Families that are excluded from claiming public funds as a consequence of their immigration status, or their lack of immigration status
  • Families who are in receipt of support under section 17 of the Children Act 1989

2 year olds that qualify can start their free place at the beginning of the school term following their second birthday.

A child born between: Is eligible from:

1 January - 31 March

1 April - Summer Term

 April - 31 August

1 September - Autumn Term

1 September - 31 December

1 January  - Spring Term

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