Free Nursey places for 2 year olds

[magicstars]

Hi, not sure this is the right section to post in...
I'm wondering if anyone knows about the changes to offer free places for 2 year olds from low income families?
DH is returning to Uni in Sep and I work part-time. Our income is going to drop signifincantly. We are fortunate that DP's on both sides are lending us the money to enable DH to do his course, we therefore don't intend to apply for any benefits (but we do get child benefit already).
I think that based on our income alone we would probably meet criteria, however I have read that only those claiming a high amount of benefits are eligible. Will borrowing the money from DP's mean we will miss out (even though we are going to be paying them back)?
I haven't had much luck via google (only found mixed messages about what people thinit all means) - is anyone in the know and able to advise please?
Thanks

As far as I know, you have to be claiming certain benefits in order to be eligible for the 2 yr old funding. If you phone your local children's centre, they will be able to advise you.

Sorry, meant to say that being in receipt of those benefits is effectively proof of your low income status. 2 yr old funding is also available in some cases where a child has additional needs and as far as I know this is not based on benefits claimed.

you have to be claiming income support to get a free 2 year old place...

and you get 15 hours term time only

Actually it's different in every borough so contact your LA or Heath visitor.

And childminders can sometimes offer it too.

It will be different in every borough I'd imagine.

I'm in north east and it was recently announced at ds's nursery that rules will change from sept and that anyone eligible for child tax credit who works and has income under 16k will be eligible.

It's worth contacting local nurseries too, you no longer need to be referred via health visiot etc to get a place

In my area if you claiming working tax credits and have an income under £16,000 then you are eligible. So as mentioned above it really does vary area by area.

Speak to your local FIS (family information service) at the council or your local council may have the info on their website as to what the criteria is for where you live

Thanks everybody. I will contact the agencies mentioned .

You don't have to be referred no but they can use discretion to Refer you still.