Nursery funding deadline to claim free hours is fast approaching
Parents are being urged to apply for 15 hours of government funded childcare for early education for children aged nine months to two years. For those starting or returning to work from February to April 30 now is the time to apply with the deadline set for March 31 so parents can use this entitlement from April 1.
To qualify for the new hours parents must earn more than £9,518 but less than £100,000 per year. Parents can check their eligibility on the government website before applying.
This applies to both parents whether together or single. An average of how much parents expect to earn over the tax year can be used if they do not get paid regularly or are self-employed. Parents will not be eligible if their child does not usually live with them.
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Foster parents can claim free childcare if they're working outside their fostering role and "adjusted net income" is under £100,000. Foster parents need to speak to their social worker and local authority to apply.
All three and four-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours a week free childcare regardless of earnings, while some working parents with children of these ages are entitled to an extra 15 hours on top of this - boosting it to 30 hours a week.
How to apply for 15 hours of free childcare
Applications are made through the government website at any point during the year. However, to make it is processed in time guidance says to apply as soon as possible. It is also important to check eligibility before applying.
Information needed to apply:
The parent's National Insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
The start date or return to work date
Details of any government support or benefits received
The child's UK birth certificate reference number (if available)
Applications can take seven days to process but once approved a code will be sent to give to childcare providers. While the childcare is free there may be additional costs. These are if the providers offer:
Meals
Nappies
Additional hours
Activities, such as trips
How to use the code
Once a code has been received parents will need to give it to their childcare provider, along with their National Insurance number and child's date of birth. The provider will then process the code to provide the child a place.
The free hours must be used with a registered childcare minder, such as some private nurseries or state-run pre-schools. There are separate free childcare systems in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Government recommends approaching the local council to help find a place.
These codes need to be renewed every three months. To do this login to the childcare account to check the reconfirmation dates. If not renewed on time a new application is needed.