Early years entitlement guidance for 2 year olds

Children of eligible parents can access up to 15 hours of funded childcare and early education for up to 15 hours per week.

If eligible, your child could get up to 15 hours a week of funded childcare and early learning in a participating day nursery, pre-school, school nursery or with a childminder (please note that not all settings provide the funded entitlements).

Even if you don't need childcare for work or study, these places provide excellent play and learning opportunities for your child, helping to ensure that they will be ready for school when the time comes. 

Further information is available in the following sections:

I am a working parent - is my child eligible and how do I apply?

The income eligibility criteria for funded two year olds

The new expanded entitlements for working parents of two year olds will start in April 2024.

Your 2-year-old can get 15 hours of free childcare (increasing to 30 hours from September 2025) if you live in England and meet the following criteria:

  • You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage)
  • If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible
  • You can't get either 15 or 30 hours childcare if you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 adjusted net income or more.

You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.

Residence and immigration status 

Please note that the working parent entitlement is affected by immigration status and residence requirements, as well as the income eligibility above.

The parent/carer applying must fulfil one of the following criteria to meet the residence requirement:

  • They are a British or Irish citizen
  • They have settled or pre-settled status through the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), or they have applied and are waiting for a decision
  • They have permission to access public funds (for example, you have applied to have the ‘no recourse to public funds (NRPF)’ condition lifted, you have indefinite leave to remain, or you are a refugee.)

Only one parent or carer needs to meet the residence requirement to be eligible for the childcare. For example, if one partner is British, but the other has an immigration status with the NRPF condition, then the British partner can apply.

However, if both parents or carers have an immigration status with the NRPF condition, then they will not be able to access the 30 hours’ free childcare for their child. This is also the case if they are a single parent or carer with the NRPF condition.

The age your child becomes eligible

The following dates show when your child is eligible for their childcare entitlement. 

A child born on or between …

Will become eligible for a funded 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

You meet the criteria above - how do you apply?

If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply for your child’s childcare place through your Childcare Service account. Visit https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-childcare-account.  You will need to provide a variety of information including your National Insurance number and you and your child's details on the system.

If you are eligible you will be provided with a working parent entitlement code. You will need to provide this to your chosen provider at the earliest opportunity and they will add this to your Parent/Carer Declaration form.

You must apply and be identified as eligible the term before you wish to access a working parent entitlement place. The table below shows when you will be able to access a place:

A validity start date…

Will become eligible for the extended hours from …

1 January and 31 March

1 April following their 2nd birthday

1 April and 31 August

1 September following their 2nd birthday

1 September and 31 December

1 January following their 2nd birthday

If you already have a Tax Free Childcare account for the child you are applying for, you will need to request your code during your next reconfirmation window. 

If your reconfirmation window is between 2 January and 14 February 2024 then you must reconfirm your eligibility by 31 March 2024.

If your reconfirmation window is on or after 15 February, HMRC will send you a temporary code by letter. 

Your letter from HMRC should arrive by 15 February. If you haven’t received a letter by 15 February, or if you lose the letter including your code after it has arrived, you should contact the HMRC Childcare Service Helpline (as below).

All checks and applications for the working parent entitlements will be processed by His Majesty's Revenue and Customers (HMRC). If you are having difficulty in applying for the extended entitlement please contact the HMRC Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097. 

In addition you will be expected to re-confirm your working parent entitlement code every three months through your Childcare Service Account. Failure to do so may result in either not being able to access your child's new working parent entitlement place or your child's place being withdrawn (with notice) where they are already accessing.

You are also likely to be eligible for Tax Free Childcare if you are eligible for the working parent entitlements - you can find out more at https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare and apply through the Childcare Service. If eligible, for every £8 you pay towards any childcare costs you will receive £2 from the government (meaning you pay 80% of the costs). 

Who else is eligible?

On this page you will also find information on those who are eligible under the following criteria:

  • Parents/carers on benefits and/or a low income
  • Children with additional needs and/or children looked after and those that have left care
  • Households with no recourse to public funds 
I am on benefits and/or on a low income - is my child eligible and how do I apply?

The eligibility criteria for funded two year olds

Your 2-year-old can get 15 hours of free early education if you live in England and get any of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit (or both), and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax
  • the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)


You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.

The age your child becomes eligible

The following dates show when your child is eligible for their early education entitlement. 

A child born on or between …

Will become eligible for a funded 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

You meet the criteria above - how do you apply?

If you meet the following economic criteria and you are going to use a setting in Redbridge, you must apply online at https://fiso.redbridge.gov.uk/Synergy/Core_Live/SynergyWeb/Parents/default.aspx.  

You can watch a video tutorial on applying for two year old funding on the Redbridge Parent Portal here

If you still need further support it is London Borough of Redbridge you will need to contact - email find@redbridge.gov.uk or call 0800 587 7500. 

Who else is eligible?

On this page you will also find information on those who are eligible under the following criteria:

  • Working parents
  • Children with additional needs and/or children looked after and those that have left care
  • Households with no recourse to public funds 
My child has additional needs, is a child who is looked after or has left care - is my child eligible and how do I apply?

The eligibility criteria for funded two year olds

2-year-olds can also get up to 15 hours of free early education if they:

  • are looked after by a local authority
  • have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • get Disability Living Allowance
  • have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order

You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.

The age your child becomes eligible

The following dates show when your child is eligible for their Early Education Entitlement. 

A child born on or between …

Will become eligible for a funded 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

You meet the criteria above - how do you apply?

If your child meets the additional criteria you must complete a manual application and email the form, along with the required evidence, to find@redbridge.gov.uk

The form can be downloaded here. 

Who else is eligible?

On this page you will also find information on those who are eligible under the following criteria:

  • Working parents
  • Parents/carers on benefits or a low income
  • Households with no recourse to public funds 
I have no recourse to public funds - is my child eligible and how do I apply?

The eligibility criteria for funded two year olds

If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still get up to 15 hours of free early education for your 2-year-old. You must live in England and your household income must be no more than:

  • £26,500 for families outside of London with one child
  • £34,500 for families within London with one child
  • £30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children
  • £38,600 for families within London with two or more children

You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.


You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.

The age your child becomes eligible

The following dates show when your child is eligible for their Early Education Entitlement. 

A child born on or between …

Will become eligible for a funded 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

You meet the criteria above - how do you apply?

If your household is 'No Recourse to Public Funds' you must complete a manual application and email the form, along with the required evidence, to find@redbridge.gov.uk

The form can be downloaded here. 

Who else is eligible?

On this page you will also find information on those who are eligible under the following criteria:

  • Working parents
  • Children with additional needs and/or children looked after and those that have left care
  • Parents/carers on benefits and/or a low income
How do I find a funded early learning provider?

You can find a full list of participating childcare settings here. If you would like further support in finding a suitable provider please contact FiND.

It is important to ensure that what your chosen provider can offer is right for you and your child. You should discuss your requirements with the provider prior to coming to an agreement.

What will my child’s place offer?

The early learning place can provide up to 15 hours a week of funded early education. It is usually either offered as a term time only place of 38 weeks per year (15 hours per week), or as a stretched offer over 51 weeks (up to 11.17 hours per week).

For those eligible under the working parents entitlement, this is due to increase to 30 hours a week (or 22.24 hours on a stretched offer) from September 2025. From April 2024 to August 2024 children will be entitled to 15 hours or equivalent only. 

Different settings will provide the early years places in different ways, however sessions must meet the following conditions:

  • No session is longer than 10 hours
  • Early learning must take place between 6.00am and 8.00pm
  • Funding may be taken across no more than three settings and at a maximum of two premises in a single day

Whether you wish to access just the funded early learning place or if you choose to access additional hours or services, the provider’s offer to you should always be clear and transparent. Where you are accessing any unfunded hours or additional services you should ensure this is clearly explained by your provider and a contract is put in place that clearly states the agreement. You should ask to see this before committing to a childcare place. If you are in any doubt, ask questions before agreeing to a place.

When can my child start their place?

Children can start their funded early education place during certain times of the year. Children should start their place as follows, where possible:

  • Spring term (January to March) - By the 3rd Thursday in January
  • Summer term (April to August) - By the 3rd Thursday in May
  • Autumn term (September to December) - By the 1st Thursday in October

For those accessing the working parent entitlements you must also have a valid code from the Childcare Service with a start date as follows:

  • Spring term (January to March) - on or before 31 December
  • Summer term (April to August) - on or before 31 March
  • Autumn term (September to December) - on or before 31 August

This means you must apply and have a valid code by these dates in order to be guaranteed to be able to access to a working parent place in the term shown. 

If your child doesn't start at the start of term and want to take up a place before the next term starts, then you will need to consider the following:

  • The funding cannot be started towards the end of a term. You can check the cut-off date for each term with your chosen Redbridge setting
  • Not all settings are able to accomodate children starting later in the term and they have the right to refuse funded entry after the termly headcount, even if the adjustment deadline has not yet passed
  • If your child is already attending a funded place in another setting you must give 4 weeks' notice prior to the termly cut off and must not start a new funded place until the end of your child's notice period. You will be charged for any hours you have accessed over and above your child's entitlement. If you access additional paid hours and services then you will need to ensure that you are meeting any contractual notice periods for these also. You should inform the new provider that your child was previously attending another setting

If you have missed the deadline for starting your child this term, please discuss when funding will next be available with your chosen early years setting. 

Can my child move to a new setting?

Children can move their funded early education place from one setting to another during certain times of the year. If you intend to move your child, then you will need to consider the following:

  • The funding cannot be moved from one setting to another towards the end of a term. You can check the cut-off date with your Redbridge setting
  • You should give the setting that your child is leaving as much notice as possible. From 1 April 2020 you must give at least 4 weeks written notice and will be unable to access funding at another provision until 4 weeks from the notice given, or from the child's last day of attendance. If your child does not return to their setting in the new term and you have not advised the previous setting your 4 weeks notice will start from the first day of term and you will be unable to claim funding at a new setting during this time
  • If you access additional paid hours and services then you will need to ensure that you are meeting any contractual notice periods
  • You should inform the new provider that your child was previously attending another setting

If you have missed the deadline for moving your child, please discuss this with the early years setting at the earliest opportunity. You will likely need to pay for the remainder of the term or alternatively wait until the following term to access a funded early learning place.

Can I access my early learning place at more than one setting?

You are able to claim your funded early learning place at up to three different settings, as long as they are not based on more than two premises. For example, your child could access a breakfast club and nursery class at a school, followed by a childminder. Where you are accessing a place at more than one setting please ensure that you are clear with all settings how many hours of funded early learning that they are each offering your child.

Where your child is attending more than one setting you will need to ensure that the settings include this information on your Redbridge Parent/Carer Declaration Form.

Will I have to pay anything?

The offer of a funded early education and childcare place must be offered ‘free at the point of delivery’. This means that if your child is only receiving the funded hours without any additional paid hours or services then you will not be expected to make any payment to the provider to access your child’s place.

The funded early learning place only covers the cost of your chlid’s care and education. If you are accessing only the funded hours you may be asked to contribute a daily charge for meals, snacks and/or consumables. If you are unable to pay this, you should instead be able to provide the meals, snacks and consumables that they will need at the setting (such as a packed lunch). You would need to discuss this with your child's setting and agree the best way forward as each setting will have a different policy. 

If you wish to access any additional hours outside of the funded place, then you will have the option to pay for additional hours as well as any additional services such as classes and activities that aren't a requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage. These should be optional where you are accessing the funded hours only. 

All childcare providers should have a clear and concise charging policy so that there is no misunderstanding of any costs. The arrangements for payment are a private matter between providers and parents.

If you are asked to pay for your child’s funded hours in advance, or if you have any concerns about how your child’s funded place has been calculated you can contact FiND for further advice. Please see the section ‘Further advice and support’ below.

What happens if I stop being eligible?

The working parent entitlements

You will need to reconfirm that you are eligible every 3 months on your Childcare Service Account. If you are no longer eligible and your child is already accessing a place, you will enter a 'grace period'. This will give you at least half a term from the date your code expires to either become eligible again and re-apply, or to make arrangements with your childcare provider to either cease your place or to pay for the place after the grace period.

You will not be able to start at a new setting or move provider whilst your child is in their 'grace period'. 

If you do stop being eligible, please check whether you would instead meet the eligibility for those on benefits and/or a low income. If you are you would need to follow the local application process (see the section above called 'I am on benefits and/or on a low income - is my child eligible and how do I apply?'). 

All other criteria 

The following guidance is for those meeting the other criteria, including:

  • Parents/carers on benefits and/or on a low income
  • Children with additional needs, children looked after and those that have left care
  • Households with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

If you have not yet accessed a place for your child and you are no longer eligible then you will no longer be eligible to access the funded early education place.

If your child is already accessing their funded early education place then they will continue to access their place until they move onto the universal funded places for three and four year olds. 

What happens if my child's setting stops being eligible to offer funded places?

There are some circumstances where funding may be withdrawn from an early years setting and that they would not be able to offer two- and/or three- and four- year old funded places. 

What happens next will vary depending on the individual circumstances but below are some examples of what you can expect if a setting stops being eligible to offer funded places. 

Suspension by Ofsted

If Ofsted suspend an early years setting they will need to cease caring for any children and therefore, early years funding would also stop. We would await the outcome of any investigation before deciding what happens next.

We would usually be able to offer that children accessing a funded place in a suspended setting could transfer their funded place to an alternative setting.

Inadequate inspection rating by Ofsted

No action would be taken until Ofsted publish a setting's Inadequate inspection report. Once published, we would usually look to withdraw funding for two, three and four year olds but would usually offer at least half a terms notice to the setting and their funded parents/carers.  

We would also take other circumstances into consideration, such as children due to move to school soon and availability of places in other Good or Outstanding settings. 

Requires Improvement inspection rating by Ofsted

No action would be taken until Ofsted publish a setting's Requires Improvement inspection report. Once published, we would usually look to withdraw funding for two year olds (not three and four year olds) but would usually offer at least half a terms notice to the setting and their funded parents/carers.  

We would also take other circumstances into consideration, such as availability of places in other Good or Outstanding settings. 

Setting makes the decision to close

If your setting closes without notice, we will make arrangements for funding to be transferred to any other Redbridge provider who has a funded place available, regardless of when this happens during the term. Please contact us at find@redbridge.gov.uk if you are informed your child's setting has closed. 

Further advice and support

You can watch a video with our most Frequently Asked Questions answered at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBuL-kDNJGQ.

For further information and support please contact Families Information Direct (FiND) 

Complaints process

If your complaint is regarding the early education funded entitlements being offered by the setting

Please contact FiND  in the first instance. If FiND are unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion to your query and you wish to register a complaint (either regarding a dispute associated with your child's Free Early Education Entitlement place within a setting or the policies mentioned in this guidance) this should be raised in accordance with the Redbridge complaints policy. Full details of the London Borough of Redbridge Complaints Procedure can be viewed on www.redbridge.gov.uk/complaints

Other complaints outside of their funding offer

Ofsted are the regulatory body for early years and childcare settings and are therefore responsible for handling most complaints regarding a setting, but there are some exceptions, as below:

  • Contractual issues (such as payments and contract terms) are a private matter between the parent/carer and the company. You can seek free legal advice from your local Citizen's Advice
  • Planning concerns relating to the building or highways should be referred to the local authority's planning enforcement team 

For any concerns please contact Ofsted at www.gov.uk/ofsted.

Page last reviewed: 06/02/2024

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