There are various funding entitlements available for children from 9 months to 4 years old. Childcare Choices has lots of information available on the different entitlements and how to apply. Gateshead Council also offer more information on the early education and childcare entitlements available. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below.
What entitlements are available and which ones might I be able to use?
There are several different entitlements available for parents in England, which have different eligibility criteria. These are set out below.
| Entitlement | Child’s age | Eligibility | What you can receive | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working parents entitlement | From the term after they turn 9 months until they start school | Read more on eligibility for the working parent entitlement. | 30 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year. | You apply online on GOV.UK. |
| For parents of 2-year-olds receiving some additional forms of support | From the term after they turn 2 years old | Read more on eligibility for this entitlement. | 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year. | Contact your childcare provider or your local council to apply for this scheme. |
| Universal entitlement for all 3 and 4-year-olds | From the term after they turn 3 years old through to starting school | All 3 and 4-year-olds are eligible. | 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year. Can be combined with the working parents entitlement to make up 30 hours. | Speak to your chosen childcare provider about if they can offer a place, and take them your child’s birth certificate. |
Your provider may agree to ‘stretch’ your entitlement by using fewer hours over more than 38 weeks per year. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
It is not possible to use more than 30 hours in a week, but you don’t have to use your full entitlement if you don’t want to.
When can I use the entitlements from?
You can start using your entitlements from the term after your child turns the relevant age to use that entitlement. The relevant age for the working parent entitlement is 9 months old.
| When your child turns the relevant age | When they can get their hours from |
|---|---|
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September |
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January |
You are only able to claim the entitlements from the term after they become the relevant age because this gives local authorities and childcare providers enough time to prepare. For the working parent entitlement, if you are not eligible to apply in the term your child reaches the relevant age, you will need to wait until the following term to make an application.
How do I apply for the working parents entitlement?
You can apply online at GOV.UK.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:
- your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self employed)
- the date you started or are due to start work
- details of any government support or benefits you receive
- the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child
If you are a foster carer, there is a separate application process. Speak to your social worker to find out more.
When do I need to apply?
We recommend you contact your chosen provider as early as possible to secure your place.
You will be able to take up your hours from the term after you meet all the eligibility criteria for the entitlement you are applying for. These terms begin on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September.
You can apply for your code up to 16 weeks before your baby turns 9 months old. You need to apply online before the deadline to receive a code to give to your childcare provider. The deadline is the day before the new term begins, but we encourage you to apply earlier, and recommend applying at least 6 weeks before the deadline. Some providers may ask for codes before the deadline, so we recommend you speak to your provider to find out if this is the case. The deadlines are:
| When you would like to use your entitlements from | The deadline to apply for a code |
|---|---|
| 1 January | 31 December |
| 1 April | 31 March |
| 1 September | 31 August |
If you do not apply on or before the deadline, you will not be able to take up your entitlements in that term.
How often do I need to log into my childcare account?
You need to log into your childcare account every 3 months to reconfirm that your details are up to date and that you remain eligible for the childcare entitlements for working parents and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
Will I be reminded to reconfirm my details?
Yes, you will receive a reminder:
the first email reminder is sent 4 weeks before reconfirmation is due
a further reminder is sent 2 weeks before reconfirmation is due
a notification is sent on the deadline date of reconfirmation to notify you that your eligibility for funded childcare for working parents has stopped and asking you to confirm your details as soon as possible
This message will come from GOV.UK. Please remember to make sure that your details are up to date.
Family Information Service and directory
Find out about childcare, family services, the local offer, activities and events in the local community.
The Family Information Service offers free, confidential and impartial advice and guidance for those caring for a child on:
- childcare (registered and un-registered) and early years services in Gateshead.
- free entitlement to early years provision
- Gateshead Local Offer. Services for children with disabilities and special educational needs
- Family Information Service Directory
Gateshead Families Information Service
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
NE8 1HH
0191 433 5118
[email protected]