Funded early learning and childcare for 2 year olds

Your 2 year old may be able to get funded early learning and childcare if either:

Funded early learning and childcare is free to you.

How to get a place

If you qualify, your local council can help you find a place.

Your local council may offer funded early learning and childcare to people who do not meet the criteria on this page.

Early learning and childcare funding

There are different childcare schemes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you get Universal Credit, your 2 year old may be able to get funded early learning and childcare.

If you work, your monthly household take-home pay must be £850 or less.

‘Take-home pay’ is how much money you get after these things are taken from your pay:

Your 2 year old can get funded early learning and childcare if you get one of these benefits:

Income support
Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Incapacity Benefit
Severe Disablement Allowance
State Pension Credit
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Support for Asylum Seekers)

Your 2 year old can get funded early learning and childcare if you or your child has experience of care.

Experience of care means being looked after by either:

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