Funded Early Learning and Childcare for age 2

Some 2 year old children are eligible for a funded placement of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).

Who is eligible?

Are you in receipt of one of the benefits below?  If yes, your 2 year old child will be eligible for a funded ELC place;

  • Income Support (IS)
  • Job Seeker's Allowance (income based)
  • Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity or Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Universal credit - where household earned income is £660 or less per month
  • Child Tax Credits (CTC), but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £17,005
  • Both maximum Child Tax Credit and Maximum Working Tax Credit and your income is under £7,920
  • Support is under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Funded early learning and childcare is also to those aged 2 or over who are (or have been at any point since turning 2) either; 

  • looked after by a local council
  • the subject of a kinship care order
  • a child with a parent-appointed guardian
  • with a parent who has experience of care

* The income thresholds for Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit can vary annually.

When could they start?

2 year old children become eligible for funded ELC dependant on their month of birth as outlined below:

  • 1 March - 31 August = August term
  • 1 September - 31 December = January term
  • 1 January - 28/29 February = Easter term

How do i apply?

If you think you may be eligible, when your child has turned two please contact the Early Years Helpline on 01369 708503 or earlyyears@argyll-bute.gov.uk to request an application pack.

 

Find further information on early years including childcare.