Early Learning for 2 Year Olds

Some 2 year olds can get up to 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year.

This is a national childcare scheme and is for 2-year-olds who meet the government criteria. In Kent this scheme is called Early Learning for 2 Year Olds, previously known as 'Free for 2'.

Once you have been confirmed eligible for a free 2-year-old place, the funding will remain with your child until they take up their free 3-year old place, even if your circumstances change.

Choose a childcare provider

You can use Early Learning for 2 year olds at a pre-school, nursery or childminder that has signed up with us to provide this service. There are many different patterns of funding delivery offered. Each provider will set out how and when they offer their funded early education and childcare places and will have their own pattern of delivery (hours and days) for the entitlement.

Before accepting a place, you will need to check with the provider that their offer suits your needs, if there are any voluntary charges and if the provider has a policy in place if you are unable or choose not to pay these.

Find a childcare provider

Eligibility

Your 2 year old can get this funded childcare if you live in England and meet the government's eligibility criteria.

This information includes criteria such as:

looked after children (those who are in care of their local authority)
those children that have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
children that receive Disability Living Allowance
and if you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits.

Eligibility dates

When your child will become eligible for free early education and childcare based on when they were born.
Child born between	Will become eligible for free early education and childcare
1 January and 31 March	The start of term 5 following their second birthday (after Easter holiday)
1 April and 31 August	The start of term 1 following their second birthday (after summer holiday)
1 September and 31 December	The start of term 3 following their second birthday (after Christmas/New Year holiday)

Application process

You can apply for Early Learning for 2 year olds when your child reaches 1 year and 10 months. Don't apply before then.

You cannot access Early Learning for 2 year olds until after your child turns two. Even if you apply and get a code.

If you think you meet the government criteria, complete an application below.

You will need an email address to create an account.

Check eligibility and apply

Application support

If you need help, use our guidance for support using the application system (PDF, 829.8 KB).

If you are a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits and do not have a National Insurance (NI) or National Asylum Support Service (NASS), email miearlyyears@kent.gov.uk for help.

Do not apply more than once as this can delay the checking process.

If you can’t apply online

visit your local Family Hub
ask your childcare provider to help you apply. They must be registered with us and Ofsted or a Childminding Agency. If you're not sure, see our childcare directory, or contact the Kent Children and Families Information Service

Email: kentcfis@theeducationpeople.org
Phone: 03000 41 23 23; Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays)

How to use your funded childcare

You need to make sure you know how you can use your free 15 hours of childcare including splitting your hours, stretched funding and when to use your funding.

Find out how you can use your funded childcare