Free place for 2 year old?

[chipo]

My dd started pre-school in sept and the school secretary reckons we are entitled to 12.5hrs free, all I need is to give her my tax credits rewards notification.
However when I speak to Tax credits they think I've gone bananas. I have been able to talk to the secretary because she's been off sick.

Anyone know the score?

It might be a Surestart type place at a Children's Centre. The Tax Credit paperwork is just proof of you meeting the criteria rather than being anything to do with them. Another Mnetter posted similar a few weeks back.

At 2 yo you can apply via sure start to have 2 sessions (2.5hour sessions) free. You have to go to your health visitor to get the forms.

Thanks, will give that a go.