Fun and learning
This booklet is issued by: Essex County Council Schools, Children and Families Directorate Early Years and Childcare
for two year olds!
Printed by CDS Ref 00052496
To find out more about the information in this leaflet or to find your nearest children’s centre contact the Family Information Service on 0800 055 6874.
Published February 2011
Essex 100% recycled paper
Free Early Education Entitlement
Early Education It is really important that young children have plenty of opportunities to play, learn and mix with other children. This helps them get the best possible start in life and spending time in a registered early years setting like a nursery, pre-school or with a childminder will help improve their learning and development.
The Early Education Entitlement for two year olds! We are now able to approve a limited number of free, funded early education places for two year olds, whose families meet certain eligibility criteria. These are for up to 15 hours per week. The funding can only be accessed using one childcare provider. A child born on or between… Will become eligible for a free place from… 1 April and 31 August 1 September following their 2nd birthday 1 September and 31 December 1 January following their 2nd birthday 1 January and 31 March 1 April following their 2nd birthday If your child is already two you may still be eligible to apply for funding subject to qualifying for a minimum of two terms.
How could my child get a free place? As there are only a limited number of places it is important that we should support the children who will benefit most. Places will be offered to families who are receiving one or more benefits or credits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credits and additional criteria based on family circumstances. To find out if your child qualifies please contact your local children’s centre or early years children’s services professional.
How do I apply? Your local children’s centre will be able advise you. There are a number of approved childcare providers who could make an application, on your behalf, subject to you meeting the criteria. Other children’s service professionals such as health visitors and social workers should also have details of this funding to help you apply. The number of places available are dependent on the available funding so although you may meet all the criteria a place cannot be guaranteed. A cut off date for applications will be imposed and relevant professionals will be informed of this in advance, in order to avoid disappointment.
Where are the free places? To get details of your local children’s centre and participating childcare providers please telephone the Family Information Service on 0800 055 6874 or email them at fis@essex.gov.uk If there are no places available at your first choice you would be able to select another provider. In instances where you would like to use a local provider who is not currently participating they can contact the Two Year Free Entitlement Team on 01245 438515 or twosfunding@essex.gov.uk
How long is the funding for? Funding is for a minimum of two terms or until the term after their third birthday. The child will then become entitled to the universal Free Early Education Entitlement for three and four year olds. There is a long term commitment by central government to two year old funding but the number of places that can be funded will be reviewed annually dependent on the funding allocated to Essex.