Primary education information for parents Childcare funding

Published: 2 September 2024

Two-year-olds

Some 2-year-olds who live in Wirral may be eligible to receive 15 hours per week FREE (570 hours per year) childcare from the term after their second birthday. Research shows that alongside parenting, high quality part time Early Years Education helps give children of this age a great start and a solid foundation for the future.

The funding can be used in certain approved day nurseries and preschools or with a Network childminder. Two-year-old children may be eligible for a part-time free childcare place if the household:

  • Has an income of no more than £16,190 and claiming working tax credits or child tax credits.
  • Claims Income Support, income based Job Seekers
  • Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance.
  • Receives State Pension (Guarantee Credit)
  • Receives support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act (1999).

Or if the child:

  • has a Statement of Special Educational Needs or has an Education, Health and Care Plan.
  • receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (in their own right).
  • is a looked after child or has left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order.

How to apply

Two months before the child’s second birthday, either the parent/carer or a professional working with the family can submit an online application.

You will need to know your National Insurance number in order to apply. If the application is successful, as part of the Early Years Provision for 2-Year-olds the family will receive a home visit from the Children's Centre Team.

Three and Four-year-olds

Will I qualify for 30 hours free childcare?

The government provides 30 hours free childcare for working parents of three and four-year-olds. The additional 15 hours free entitlement, on top of the existing universal provision of 15 hours, is to support working families or families entering work who meet criteria set by the government.

Parents of three and four-year-olds will need to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for 30 hours free childcare:

  • They earn or expect to earn the equivalent to 16 hours at National Minimum or Living Wage over the coming three months.
  • This equates to £152 a week (or £7,900 a year) for each parent over 22, £109 a week for each parent between 18-20 years old (or £5,245 a year) and £76 a week for apprentices in their first year.
  • This applies whether you are in paid employment, self-employed or on zero hours contract.
  • The parent (and their partner where applicable) should be seeking the free childcare to enable them to work.
  • Where one or both parents are on maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave, or if they are on statutory sick leave.
  • Where one parent meets the income criteria and the other is unable to work because they are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have been assessed as having limited capability to work.
  • Where a parent is in a ‘start-up period’ (they are newly self-employed) they do not need to demonstrate that they meet the income criteria for 12 months.
  • If one or both parents is a non-EEA national, the parent applying must have recourse to public funds.

A parent will not meet the criteria when

  • Either parent has an income of more than £100,000.
  • If one or both parents are non-UK or Irish citizens and do not have EU Settled Status, or do not have recourse to public funds.

What happens if a parent loses eligibility?

  • They will receive a ‘grace period’ – this means they will be able to keep their childcare for a short period.
  • Once the ‘grace period’ has lapsed, the parent should be entitled to the universal 15-hour entitlement.

How to apply

Parents must apply for an eligibility code through the Childcare Choices website.

If a parent has any difficulties the help line number is 0300 123 4097.