2 year Old Funding
New for 2 funding by September 2013 20% of 2 year olds will be entitled to funding which we deliver in the same way that we deliver free sessions for 3 & 4 year old’s. Families need to meet a criteria and be nominated by a Health Visitor or Family Support worker or parents can follw the link on our "link" page to see if they are eligible.
For 2 year old funded children we offer 11.5 hours per week spread over 50 weeks of the year. This amounts to 3 sessions per week and one lunch for free.
The sessions can be a combination of mornings and afternoons or just morings or afternoons (morning seesion 8.30-12, afternoon 1-4.30), lunch can be added onto any of these sessions (12-1) depending on our availability. Or another option; a full day 8.30-4.30 with a morning or afternoon session per week.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate in calling or emailing us.
More Information from North Somerset
Why is early education important?
Research highlights the important role of parents and the importance of high-quality early education in supporting children's learning and development. The foundation years (pregnancy to age five) are critical to children's life chances and most children who are developing well at the end of their foundation years go on to achieve well in school.
What funding is available?
We have received government funding for children with the greatest needs:
- from September 2013 all families who meet the income criteria for free school meals will be eligible to apply for free early education for two-year-olds - 20% of two-year-olds nationally
- from September 2014 the number of eligible children will increase to 40% of two-year-olds
How many hours of childcare can an eligible child access?
Eligible children can access up to 570 hours a year of quality childcare with a registered childcare provider.
What are the income criteria that families have to meet?
Families have to be in receipt of one or more of these benefits:
- income support
- job seekers allowance (income based)
- employment support allowance (income related)
- child tax credit or working tax credit - annual income assessed by HMRC must not exceed £16,190.
- support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- guarantee element of state pension credit
Do looked-after children or children with additional needs qualify?
Children looked after by the local authority will qualify for funding.
What are the dates when an eligible child can start their childcare?
| Date of birth between | Childcare can start |
| 1 September 2011 - 31 December 2011 | 1 January 2014 |
| 1 January 2012 - 31 March 2012 | 1 April 2014 |
| 1 April 2012 - 31 August 2012 | 1 September 2014 |
Please see our "links" page for application.
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