Early Learning for 2 year olds
Eligible 2-year-olds can access 15 hours of funded early learning each week if their family receives certain forms of additional support, such as Universal Credit, or if the child meets specific criteria, including having an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, receiving Disability Living Allowance, or being looked after by a local authority.
The Government's Best Start in Life Parent Hub provides information on:
- Eligibility for Early Learning for 2 year olds - Best Start in Life – Check whether your child qualifies.
- When to apply – Find out when to submit your application.
- How to apply – Learn how to access the scheme.
- Combining schemes – Explore whether you can access additional childcare support.
- Finding a childcare provider – Search for funded childcare providers in your area.
If you are a working parent, you may also be eligible for additional funded childcare through the working parent entitlement.
Still not sure if you're eligible?
Use the Government's eligibility checker to check your entitlement and apply where required.
The checker will help you confirm:
- Whether your child is eligible for funded childcare
- Which childcare support schemes you can access
- Any additional childcare support you may be entitled to
When to apply
| Children who turn 2 between | Please apply | Can start receiving funded hours from |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | January to end of March | April after the child's second birthday |
| 1 April and 31 August | April to end of July | September after the child's second birthday |
| 1 September and 31 December | September to end of December | January after the child's second birthday |
How to apply
To apply for 2-Year-Old Funding, select the '2 Year Old Funding Application' button and create a Citizen Portal account.
Apply for Early Education Funding
You will need to provide:
- Your email address
- Your full name (name as shown on your Universal Credit statements)
- Your date of birth
- Your address
- Your National Insurance (NI) number or National Asylum Seeker Service (NASS) number
- Your child's name
- Your child's date of birth
Creating an account only takes a few minutes and allows you to:
- Check eligibility instantly
- Submit and track your application
- Contact the Early Education Funding (EEF) Team
Once you have applied and received your EY voucher code by email, provide it to your chosen childcare provider. If a place is available, they will validate your code, ask you to complete a parent declaration form and confirm when your child's funded place can begin.
- If your application is unsuccessful or you experience any difficulties using the application system, please contact the Education Support Team at EducationCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk
Combining schemes
You may be able to combine this childcare funding offer with other funded childcare schemes, helping to increase the support available to your family.
Find out more about the options available and how funding offers can be used together at Combining schemes | Best Start in Life
Finding a childcare provider
To find a childcare provider offering funded early education places in Herefordshire, search the Herefordshire Early Years Education and Childcare Directory You can also use the government's find free early education and childcare search service to search for providers in your area.
These services can help you identify providers with available funded places and support you in choosing the most suitable option for your child.