2 Year Old Funding

Free Nursery Education Entitlement for 2 year Olds

Central Bedfordshire Council gives childcare providers the opportunity to offer 2 year of funding for up to 15 hours for eligible children.

Children will be eligible for the funding the term following their second birthday subject to the funding dates set by Central Bedfordshire’s Council. These can be found in the Central Bedfordshire Councils local agreement for providers offering provision for 2, 3, and 4 year olds.

Funding is available for up to 15 hours of child care per week for 3 year olds whose families meet one of the following criteria:

They receive:

• Income support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999,
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross earnings of no more than £16,190

Or they have a two year old who:

• Has a current statement of SEN or a Education, Health and Care Plan
• Is a looked after child
• Has left care through a special guardianship order or through an adoption or residence order.
• Receives Disability Living Allowance

Children’s Centres are responsible for completing applications for 2 year old funding and have details of the eligibility criteria.