Funded childcare for 2 year olds
Early Education Funding for 2-year-olds
Funded childcare is available for eligible 2-year-olds, for 15 hours a week during the school term.
Children will have fun, in a safe and nurturing environment and it will help them to socialise and make friends.
If your child is eligible, they can take up a place at the start of the term following their second birthday.
Search our directory for 2-year-old funded providers.
Your 2 year old can get funded early education and childcare if you receive one of the following:
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Universal Credit
If your child was born on or before 31 December 2015 (turning two before 1 January 2018) then must have an earned gross income (additional money you earn before tax not including your benefits) of no more than £16,190 per year
If your child was born after 31 December 2015 (turning two on or after 1 January 2018) then you must have an earned net income (additional money you earn after tax not including your benefits) of no more than £15,400 per year
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Tax credits
and have an annual gross income (before tax) of no more than £16,190 per year
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The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
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Support under Part 6 (VI) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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The Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Your child can also get free early education and childcare if any of the following apply:
- they’re looked after by a local council
- they have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- they get Disability Living Allowance
- they’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
The date you can start a funded place depends on your child’s birthday.
|
Child’s birthday |
When you can start early education funding |
|
1 January to 31 March |
The beginning of Summer term on or after 1 April |
|
1 April to 31 August |
The beginning of Autumn term on or after 1 September |
|
1 September to 31 December |
The beginning of Spring term on or after 1 January |
If you believe you are eligible, please complete the 2 year old funding application form online to find out if your child is eligible for the 2 year old funding and to check your application.
You may apply on behalf of a parent/carer if you have permission to do so and have their relevant details.
If you have applied previously and require your funding reference code, please call 01296 387000.
If you are eligible, you will be sent a confirmation letter which you can take to any of the approved childcare providers
Allocation of your 2 year old funded place will only be considered and accepted by the provider once they have seen the 2 year old confirmation letter. Please note funding cannot be backdated.
The Early Years Brokerage Service provides help to families who are unable to find a 2-year-old funded place. They will discuss your needs with you and provide advice and information on the availability of places in your area.
Apply for help from our Brokerage Service
If you need any help finding suitable childcare then contact us and we’ll do our best to help you.
If your child has specific needs further support is available from our specialist Brokerage officers
If you have already applied but have lost your 6 digit reference code please email 2yearoldfunding@buckscc.gov.uk
Useful Documents/Resources
Flowchart for Providing Funded Entitlement October 2018 (PDF, 304KB)
30 Hours Childcare
Information for providers on 30 Hours Childcare can be found under the "Information for Providers" section of the 30 Hours page.
Tax-Free Childcare
For Information for providers on Tax-Free Childcare, take a look at the "Tax-Free Childcare: for providers" page.
To help support your application and to find out more about the 2-year-old funding we have added a YouTube video for your reference at the end of this page.
