Hull City Council is urging eligible families to apply for funding to access free childcare for their two-year-old children.
The 2 Year Funding Scheme offers up to 15 hours of early education and childcare for two-year-olds in low-income or non-working households.
Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “Early education is such an important time for young children. It’s an essential stepping stone in social development, emotional wellbeing and understanding of the world.
“However, too many children miss out on the chance to really explore the world around them, build relationships, reach developmental milestones and of course, have fun. And this is often due to financial disadvantages for modern families.
“The 2 Year Funding Scheme can give around one third of children in Hull the chance to experience high-quality childcare and early learning support.”
Families in Hull can get funded childcare, from the term after their child turns two, if household income is less than £15,400 per year.
If successful, families can choose from a range of registered childcare providers, including:
- Nurseries
- Pre-schools
- Childminders
- School nurseries (one-in-four Hull schools offer nursery places for two-year-olds)
If family income is above £15,400, families may still qualify if their child:
- is looked after by a local authority
- has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- has left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order (SGO), or child arrangements order (CAO)
- has no recourse to public funds
Families in Hull can apply for 2 Year Funding here.
