Two Year Old Funding

Free early education for two year olds

From September 2014, the government has committed to providing free early education to the 40% (approximately) least advantaged two year olds in England. Two year olds who live in households which meet the eligibility criteria will be entitled to a free early education place. Eligible two year olds in Bracknell Forest will be able to access up to 15 hours per week (up to a maximum of 570 hours per year) of free early education at eligible, registered providers, from the school term after their 2nd birthday.

In order to qualify, parents must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income support benefit

• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

• Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

or

One of the following must apply:

• the child is looked after by the local authority

• the child has left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order

• the child attracts Disability Living Allowance or has a current statement of SEN or an Education Health and Care plan

When should I apply for two year old funding?

The ideal time to apply is the school term before the child’s second birthday however you can apply before or after this. We are unable to confirm eligibility before the child’s second birthday.

How do I apply for two year old funding?

To apply, you will need to complete the free early education for two year olds application form. The form asks you to include your National Insurance number and date of birth in order to check your eligibility with the Government's Eligibility Checking Service. Bracknell Forest aim to check and notify applicants of their eligibility status within 5 working days.

I am eligible, what happens next?

A member of the Bracknell Forest Early Years team will contact you to discuss available early years provision and support you to secure a place for your child. Your chosen registered childcare provider will claim the funding for your child from Bracknell Forest.

I am not eligible, what happens next?

Bracnell Forest will provide you with information on other forms of assistance and support which could be beneficial to your child.