Funded childcare for two year olds

Did you know that if your annual household income is less than £16,190 or you are in receipt of an eligible benefit your two year old could qualify for up to 15 hours of funded childcare a week? This could either be at a playgroup, day nursery or with a childminder.

Quality early years care can help your child:

• Learn
• Play together with friends
• Experience new activities

It can also help you:

• Have more time
• Take up a college course
• Go back to work
• Get ideas of how to help your child play and learn

How do I apply?

Please note: Only complete this form if you want to use funded childcare in the City of York Council area. If you want to use the funding elsewhere please contact the Local Authority for that area.

Visit the Family and Childcare Trust website to find out contact details for other Local Authorities.

If you have already received a letter from the City of York Council, you do not need to complete the online application. Please just take your confirmation letter to the early years and childcare provider where you would like your child to take their funded place. The Family Information Service (FIS) will be able to provide you with a list of providers who offer funded places for two year olds. They can be contacted on 01904 554444, or by email: fis@york.gov.uk.

If you have not received a letter, you can check your eligibility and apply online for a funded place.  Alternatively contact York Family Information Service on 01904 554444 to apply over the telephone. 

Please do not apply too early.

The best time to apply is two months before your child’s funded place could start (refer to the table below). Applications will be processed within 10 working days.

When can eligible children start their funded place?

If your child’s second birthday falls between:

2nd birthday falls between	Can start funded place...
1 Jan - 31 Mar	the start of the summer term (after Easter)
1 April - 31 Aug	the start of the autumn term (early September)
1 Sept - 31 Dec	the start of the spring term (early January)