Funding for 2 year olds

[BoyMom24]

Can anyin point me in the right direction and just give me some clarification. My DS will be 2 in June. My partner works full time. I don't work and also claim a disability benefit (high rate PIP) I've looked into it on childcare choices and as far as I can see we don't qualify for the funding b cause both parents need to be working but one of the workers at th children's center I go to for playgroup seems to think that I can still get some free hours for nursery. Can anyone help? It's all so confusing. Tia x

There's a different type of 2 year funding that is already in place for 'in need' children. You need to apply for this through your local authority directly not the childcare choices site.

Thank you. Do you know how I can do this. Is it a casoeof going on my local council website. I've looked and can't find anything about childcare

Yes sorry I know who to contact in my Borough but I don't know other areas.

It depends on your income, if your income is less than 15 600 not including benefits I think you can qualify

Thanks iv just looked at their info says the same that I am not eligible as both parents have to work. It says the 15 hours is universal but not for 2 year olds.

My partner earns 30k. I don't have an income. Only PIP, child benefit and we occasionally get a small UC top up monthly dependant on DH monthly pay.

Disadvantaged 2 year-old funding is what youre looking for, not the working parents entitlement.

I'm not sure you'll qualify. There is an existing scheme for 'vulnerable' children but for the you need to have a household income of under £16k ish. The new scheme for the 2 year olds with working parents, both parents need to be working or one parent and the other parent claiming carers etc.

Thank you all. I think the confusion is that it says when he is 3 we will get regardless of employment status.. it's a shame. We can't afford to pay for childcare but I really think my DS would benefit from a couple days at nursery with other children etc. I was pretty sure we don't qualify but the family worker at children's centre said she was sure we would get something.

There is a scheme that parents can claim 80% back on nursery fees if someone is working but you are also on some benefits so that might be worth looking into.

www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds

This is the other funding. It states disabled children are eligible not sure if it includes adults. You can ring families information service in your local council for clarification

Do you take him to baby/toddler groups? He'd get great social interaction there!

I wanted to say just what the previous two posters have said.

Look on your county council website - search for their local offer. If in doubt ring the council.

In the meantime if you're not doing it already find a couple of local toddler groups. Through these I made some good friends and we then arranged play dates.

Childcare funding is starting to change from April so also ask if the changes apply to you.

Yes we go occasionally. Due to my horrendous social anxiety and fibromyalgia I find it difficult to get out but I do try.