NEW! Free Early Education and Childcare for 2 year olds - Working Parents

From January 2024, you will be able to apply for your eligibility code. If eligible you will be able to access your free early education and childcare entitlement from the term after your child turns two. 

**You should check your eligibility in good time to make sure you don’t miss out. You must receive your eligibility code before the 31st March to be able to access the entitlement from April 2024. You can do this via the Childcare Choices website. **

Am I eligible?

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) and no more than £100,000 per annum. 

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you’re unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible. 

When can my child start?

The new free early education and childcare entitlement will be available from April 2024 and your child can access their place from the term after they turn two.

• If your child is born between 1st January and 31st March, your child can access their place from April.

• If your child is born between 1st April and 31st August, your child can access their place from September.

• If your child is born between 1st September and 31st December, your child can access their place from January.

How do I apply?

To find out if you are eligible and apply for your eligibility code, please visit the Childcare Choices website, where you will need to set up a childcare account via the Government Gateway. 

If eligible, you will receive an 11 digit eligibility code which you will need to give to your chosen childcare provider. 

Where can I use it?

You can access your free early education and childcare place at any Ofsted registered provider, that has agreed with the local authority to deliver the free entitlements:

• Day Nursery

• Pre-school

• School

• Childminder

• After School Club

For a list of providers in your area, please contact the Sutton Family Information Service on 020 8770 6000 or visit their online Childcare Directory.

Are there any costs involved?

The early education and childcare entitlements are not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions. If you choose to pay for these it is an arrangement between you and the childcare provider. However, you must not be required to pay any fee as a condition of taking up a 15 hour place, and you must be offered alternative options. 

You may also be asked to pay a deposit to secure your place. This should be returned to you within a couple of months of your child taking up their place. 

Can I get help with paying for additional hours?

If you require more childcare than the free hours provided, there are other funding options available to support you with the cost of additional hours:

• Tax Free Childcare - some working parents with children under 12 (or under 17 if the child has a disability) can apply for extra support through the Tax Free Childcare Scheme. For every £8 you pay into the account, the government will top it up by £2. You can receive up to £2000 per child per year or £4000 if your child has a disability.

• Childcare element of Universal Credit - eligible working parents may be able to claim up to 85% of their childcare costs under their Universal Credit claim.

• Child Tax Credits - working families with children under 16 (or 17 if the child has a disability) can claim back up to 70% of their childcare costs.

For more information on all childcare funding available, please visit the Childcare Choices website. 

Next steps

To apply for your eligibility code please visit the Childcare Choices website.

If you have any general questions around the entitlements or how to access a place in Sutton, then please contact the Sutton Family Information Service on 020 8770 6000.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the Childcare Helpline on 0300 123 4097.