Free for 2 (families receiving additional forms of government support)
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 we call this scheme '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 Free for 2 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. Providers must not limit the number of totally funded places they offer.
Providers 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.
Eligibility
Your 2 year old can get 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 Plan
- children that receive Disability Living Allowance
- and if you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits.
Eligibility dates
| 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 'Free for 2' when your child reaches 1 year and 10 months. Don't apply before then.
You cannot get free childcare until after your child turns two. Even if you apply and get a voucher.
You will need an email address to create an account.
If you think you meet the government criteria, complete an application below.
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 list of all providers who offer funding, ask them directly or call us on 03000 41 23 23.
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, stretch funding and when to use your funding.
Find out how you can use your funded childcare
Summary for additional costs
The funding is for early education and childcare. It is meant to deliver 30 hours of funded, high-quality childcare.
Learn more about the additional costs you may have to pay
Helpful videos
Take a look at our Free for 2 videos to understand the funding and how to apply.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.