Are you entitled to free learning and childcare?
In these difficult times, it’s good to know there’s extra support available.
Some 2-year-olds whose parents receive certain benefits or a low income can have up to 15 hours a week of free learning and childcare (570 hours a year) during term time. The same offer applies to ALL 3 and 4-year-olds.
An extra 15 hours of free childcare is also available to some working parents of 3 and 4-year-old children. Some childcare providers offer free places during the school holidays where the hours are spread across the year by taking fewer hours each week, supporting working parents during the school holidays and providing consistency for children.
The free early learning and childcare entitlements can also be used with other schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credits or Tax Credits.
Children who attend an early learning provider can gain valuable skills, helping them to be ready for school, as well as have lots of fun. For parents, it gives an opportunity to work or study.
How can I benefit?
Here’s an example: If a 2-year-old child attends nursery for 25 hours a week during school term time and is entitled to 15 hours of free learning and childcare, this would leave just 10 hours to pay for. But if the parents are also eligible for Tax Credits they could claim back up to 70% of their childcare costs, leaving just 3 hours to pay for.
Where can I take advantage of free learning and childcare?
Free learning and childcare places are available from a range of approved childcare providers, including childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups, as well as schools and academies which have a nursery.
Want to find out more?
Find out more about the free entitlements and tax-free childcare on The Childcare Choices website – check the criteria and use the childcare calculator to see which options would benefit your family.
Apply for 15 hours for your 2-year-old by visiting our website.
Apply for the extra 15 hours for your 3 or 4 year olds. Please note there is a cut-off deadline each term; 31 December for places starting in the spring term (January to Easter), 31 March for places starting in the summer term (Easter to July) and 31 August for places starting in the autumn term (September to December).
If you need help and advice please get in touch with the Kirklees Family Information Service: fis@kirklees.gov.uk 01484 414887.
These examples are to illustrate the potential benefits to a family – please note they are dependent on individual family circumstances and the offers available at individual childcare providers.