Nursery education funding for two year olds

Funding is available for quality care and education for a small percentage of two year olds in Herefordshire. Following the successful pilot between September 2009 and March 2011 funding will continue through 2011/12. Places are limited so an application process is in place to ensure the fairest allocation. Any child or family service professional can complete an application form with an eligible family.

Who can access this funding?

Funding is very limited and specific areas of economic disadvantage in Herefordshire have been targeted. The current targeted areas are: Hereford city, Leominster town, Bromyard, Peterchurch and Kington. It will also depend on the type of benefits your family are in receipt of and the personal circumstances or needs of your child or family.

When can my child get funding?

If eligible, funding is available from the beginning of the school term following the child's second birthday, see the chart below, please note term dates do vary.

1st January - 31st March	Summer Term
1st April - 31st August	Autumn Term
1st September - 31st December	Spring Term

Which childcare setting can I use?

A number of high quality settings within the specified areas have been asked to participate. During the referral process you will be asked to choose from a list.

How much free childcare is available?

Funding is available for up to 10 hours of childcare and education per week over 38 weeks, taken over a minimum of three days. Some providers can "stretch" the offer to 7.5 hours taken over 50 weeks of the year instead.