Early Years Educational Funding

There are now more opportunities than ever before for parents to receive financial support to help with the cost of childcare.  Please ensure you are checking to see if you are eligible as not all funding is automatic and you may need to make an application.

 

• Free for 2 funding- Some families receiving additional income support from the government such as universal credit or job seekers allowance may also be eligible to receive 15 hours childcare.  For full eligibility criteria and application information please visit www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/childcare-and-pre-school/free-childcare

• Working Parents Entitlement for 9month olds- If your child is 9 months before 31st December and you are an eligible working parent, you can apply for 15 hours of childcare for your child.  Applications must be received before 31st December 2024.  Eligibility codes, along with the parent’s name, date of birth and national insurance number should be sent through to the nursery as soon as possible and no later than 31st December. For full eligibility criteria and application details please visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working

• Working Parents Entitlement for 2-year-olds- If your child is 2 before 31st December and you are an eligible working parent, you can apply for up to 30 hours of childcare for your 2-year-old.  Applications must be received before 31st December 2024.  Eligibility codes, along with the parent’s name, date of birth and national insurance number should be sent through to the nursery as soon as possible and no later than 31st of December. For full eligibility criteria and application details please visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working  RPK does have some specific policies regarding the use of this funding so please check this section of our FEE policy.

• 3-year-old universal entitlement- All three and four-year-olds are entitled to receive 15 hours of free childcare.  This is an automatic entitlement and there is no need to apply.  Children will receive their funding the term after their 3rd birthday. RPK however has some specific policies regarding the use of the government 3- and 4-year-old funding so please ensure you check this section of our FEE policy. 

• 3-year-old working parent’s entitlement- Working families may be eligible to receive an additional 15 hours childcare on top of the above universal funding.  This funding is not automatic and needs to be applied for.  For full eligibility criteria and application details please visit https://www.gov.uk/get-free-childcare-if-youre-working  If your child is 3 before the 31st of December 2024, they may be eligible to receive this funding from 6th January 2025.  All applications for the next coming term must be received before 31st December and eligibility codes, along with parents name, date of birth and national insurance number must be sent through to provider by this date. Please also ensure you are aware of our policies regarding the use of the funding as outlined on our FEE policy.