Some 2-year-olds in England can get free early education and childcare.
You must be getting one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit – for places starting on or after April 1st 2018 or any following term, if a parent is entitled to universal credit, they must have
An annual net (after taxes) earned income equal to or not more than £15,400. This is based on up to three of the parent’s most recent universal credit assessment periods. - Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
- Tax credits and have an annual income under £16,190 before tax
- The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- The Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Children are also entitled to a place if:
- They’re looked after by a local council
- They have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education health and care plan
- They get Disability Living Allowance
- They’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
- If your child is eligible, you can start claiming after they turn 2. The date you can claim will depend on when their birthday is.
child’s birthday |
when you can claim |
| 1 January to 31 March | The beginning of term on or after 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | The beginning of term on or after 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | The beginning of term on or after 1 January |
For more information please contact your local council regarding free early education and how to apply by following this link: stoke.gov.uk/beststart Tel: 01782 232200
