Funded childcare and early education for two-year-olds

Your two-year-old child can get free childcare and early education if you get one of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit
    • If you and your partner have a combined income from work of £15,400 or less a year, after tax
  • Tax Credits
    • If you have an income of £16,190 or less a year, before tax
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
  • The Working Tax Credit 4-week run on
    • The payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

A two-year-old child can also get free childcare and early education if they:

  • are looked after by Swindon Borough Council
  • have special education needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
  • get Disability Living Allowance
  • have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order

A child can get free childcare and early education from the term after their second birthday. However, you may have to pay for optional extra costs such as meals, nappies, or trips.

You can use our directory to find childcare providers in your area. You need to click the 'details' button to check what age group and funding type a provider covers.

If you have no recourse to public funds

If you are a non-EEA citizen with no recourse to public funds, you may still be eligible providing you meet the income threshold. Your family earnings must not be more than the below:

  • £26,500 for families outside London with one child
  • £30,600 for families outside London with two or more children
  • Savings not above £16,000

How to apply

If you believe your child is eligible for the free childcare and early education, you can apply using the online form below:

Early years application form

Further information

For more details about childcare and early education, visit the Childcare Choices website.

If you have questions or need support, you can:

  • Email: EY&CBrokerage@swindon.gov.uk
    • We aim to respond within five working days
  • Call: Early Years Engagement Officer on 07812 759534
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