Free early learning for 2 year olds
Under a new national scheme some two year olds from low income families will be entitled to a free parttime early education place. These places can be taken up at, pre-school, childminder or a selected
number of nurseries.
Who is eligible?
The government is funding the places for two-year-olds from low-income families who receive benefits.
In order to be eligible families must be resident in City of Westminster and must also be in receipt of one
of the following benefits:
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Income support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Universal credit
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income
(as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
 Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after
they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Please note - if you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit, you will not be eligible.
Children are also entitled to a free place if they:
• are looked after by the local authority (e.g. foster care)
• have a child protection plan
When will my child/ren be eligible for their free place?
Children whose parents meet the criteria will be eligible for a place in the term after their second birthday
and can apply for a place in the term that they turn 2 (please refer to the table below).
Child’s second birthday falls
between:
They will be entitled to their
free place from:
1 September and 31 December
2013
1 January and 31 March 2014
The start of the spring term in
January 2014
The start of the summer term
after Easter 2014
The start of the autumn term in
September 2014
1 April 14 and 31 August 14
Parents can contact their
borough to apply for a
places from:
From September 2013
From January 2014
From April 2014
How early can I apply?
Applications will not be accepted for children under 20 months old. Any applications for children under
this age will not be processed and declined.
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How can I apply?
Please complete the Eligibility Check Form below in BLOCK CAPITALS. Incomplete or unreadable
applications will not be processed.
Return completed for by email to: fis@westminster.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can send the form by
post to:
Ms. Shaheen Majeed
Early Years Team
215 Lisson Grove NW8 8LF
The process is lengthy and applications that are successful will be placed in a central waiting list and
applicants will be notified once an early education place becomes available. Please ensure a contact
telephone number is provided on your application form.
Free Early Learning for 2 year olds – Eligibility Check
To find out if you are eligible, please complete this form. You will need your National Insurance
Number (or NASS number if you don’t have one) so ensure you have a record of it before you
start.
1. Child/ren’s Details
Full Name
(Please complete all
full names if children
are twins, triplets etc)
Date of Birth
First Name
Surname
(DD/MM/YY)
Gender of each child
Address
Male
Female
Postcode
Does your
child/children have any
additional needs? If so
please provide details
2. Parent/Guardian Details
Details of the parent/carer are required in order to be able to check if the child is eligible for a
place, and to send confirmation of eligibility.
Full Name
First Name
Surname
Date of Birth
(DD/MM/YY)
NI Number
NASS Number
(if no NI Number)
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Address
Postcode
Email Address
Telephone number
3. Partner/Spouse Details (if relevant)
Full Name
First Name
Surname
Date of Birth
(DD/MM/YY)
NI Number
NASS Number
(if no NI Number)
Do you live at the
same address as the
parent/guardian
above? (please
Yes
No
tick/cross)
4. Preferred Provider
Attached is a list of participating providers, select 3 settings and fill in your choices below.
1st choice
2nd choice
3rd choice
5. Other factors
Please provide any additional information that could determine the type and location of the place offered
(e.g. specific sessional time required to fit in with other specified responsibilities/activities, returning to
work/studying or volunteering, needs to coincide with school pick-ups with specified schools etc)
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6. How did you find out about this offer?
(Please tick one of the following boxes)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Family Information Service
My local children’s centre
My health visitor
My social worker
Family/friend
Other (please provide details in the box below)
7. Declaration
The information I have given on this form is complete and accurate:
(Please tick/cross)
Any personal information you give us is held securely and will be used only for council purposes.
Information that was given for one purpose may be used for other council purposes, unless there are
legal restrictions preventing this. Whether or not your child is eligible for a place, your local Family
Information Service and/or Children's Centre may contact you to tell you about their services.
I confirm that I have read and understand the statement above
(Please tick/cross)
I confirm that I selected three participating providers on the attached list
(Please tick/cross)
Signature: ........................................................................................................................
(Please state name in capitals if emailing your completed form)
Date: ......................................................................................................................... 2013
For office use only
DAR:
ACP:
WCC:
Y/N
Ward:
FSM:
Y/N
NEF:
Data:
DoAll:
NAll:
Notes:
NSD:
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