Info for Parents
​"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
​2-Year Old Funding
This funding is not open to every child. If you meet the criteria and have been awarded the funding, you will receive a letter from
Gloucestershire Family Information Service. The letter will tell you when the funding starts, which is usually the term after your child’s
second birthday. The funding will last until your child receives the three and four-year-old funding. Speak to a member of staff if you think your child is eligible and we can help you find out.
The funding means your child is entitled to have up to 15 hours a week (570 hours in a year). You will be able to use these hours during the school term up to 38 weeks. The minimum length of a session is 2½ hours and the maximum is 10 hours in any one day, but this would need to be agreed with your provider. If you take up more than the 15 hours entitlement you will be charged for these additional hours by your childcare provider.
​3 & 4-Year Old Funding
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Every child is entitled to receive this funding from the term after their third birthday and this will remain in place until the start of their
Reception Year at school. This funding entitles your child up to 15 hours a week across a term up to 38 weeks. Any additional hours will be charged at the normal rate. Due to funding not meeting the daily rate, additional charges will be made for snacks, outings and resources to ensure the quality of childcare remains high.
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Tax Credits
The ‘childcare element’ is one of the elements that make up Working Tax Credit. If you’re eligible, it could cover up to 70% of your childcare costs. You can apply for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit if you work at least 16 hours a week (if you’re in a couple, you both need to work at least 16 hours a week)
For further information or to check if you might be eligible check online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.​
Childcare Vouchers​
Your employer may be able to help you with childcare costs using childcare vouchers or other schemes. You can get up to £55 a week from childcare vouchers, depending on how much you earn and when you joined the scheme.
​Early Help Offer
In Gloucestershire, we believe that families are best supported by practitioners who are already working with them, as well as other organisations and services within their local community. These organisations include health services, schools, learning providers, councils, charities and voluntary groups, children and family centres, the police, housing providers and many others.
Children, young people and families with additional needs will be supported through the use of the Graduated Pathway of Early Help and Support.
Gloucester 01452328071 gloucesterearlyhelp@gloucestershire.gov.uk