Early Years
Funding
As a parent or carer of a 2, 3 or 4 year old, you many be entitled to up to 15 hours of free funded childcare.
Early Years Funding for 2 Year Olds
Your two-year-old child may qualify for a free early years place if:
- your home address is in Nottinghamshire, and
- they are classed as a “looked after child” (a “looked after child” is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services function. The term “looked after child” would include a child who was previously “looked after” but, immediately thereafter, became subject to an adoption, resident or special guardianship order)
- have left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order.
OR you receive one of the following benefits:
- income support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related employment support allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- guarantee element of state pension credit
- child tax credit and also that your household’s yearly income does not exceed £16,190 (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs)
- you receive Working Tax Credits and your household’s gross annual earnings are no more than £16,190 as above
- Universal Credit – if you and your partner are on a low income from work (this usually means a combined income of less than £15,400 after tax)
- your child receives Disability Living Allowance.
OR
- your child has an Education Health and Care plan.
If they are two between:
- 1 September and 31 December – Apply between October and December, eligible from January (spring term)
- 1 January and 31 March – Apply between January and March eligible from April (summer term)
- 1 April and 31 August – Apply between mid-May and August eligible from September (autumn term)
Please note: our system will only allow parents or Customer Service Centre to submit applications up to 16 weeks before the term in which the child would be entitled to start their free place (see dates in previous paragraph). If it is more than 16 weeks before the term start date then you will not be able to proceed with your application. Please apply at a later date in this instance.
Places are available in Ofsted-rated good or outstanding providers on the Nottinghamshire directory for up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (term time only).
Click here to download Nottinghamshire County Councils Information Sheet
Early Years Funding for 3-4 Year Olds
All parents and carers who have children aged three and four are currently entitled to 15 hours a week free childcare. Working parents may be entitled to 30 hours a week.
To be eligible for the increased free hours, each parent must:
- earn at least £120 a week
- not earn £100,000 or more a year
People could still be eligible if they or their partner is on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, are unable to work if they have a disability or caring responsibilities. Single parents can also apply.
Successful applicants will then receive a code which they then take to their chosen childcare provider as soon as possible.
Parents must apply before the end of each school term to secure a place for the next term. Parents who already have an eligibility code, must reconfirm their eligibility for 30 hours every 3 months.
Free childcare places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools, day nurseries, pre-schools and childminders.
Not eligible?
If you don’t meet the criteria for extended free childcare, all three and four-year-olds are still entitled to 15 hours of free education at a range of childcare providers for 38 weeks of the year.
Click here to download Nottinghamshire County Councils Information Sheet