Isle parents and guardians may be entitled to 15 hours of free childcare

If you have a two-year-old child you could be eligible for free childcare for 15 hours a week.

Working families with a household income less than £16,190 per year may now be eligible.

This scheme comes into force after a child’s second birthday, and will run for at least 38 weeks of the year.

Anyone with a two-year-old who meets one of the following criteria will be eligible for a free place.

qIf you claim Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit and have an annual household income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190

qIf you claim income support

qIf you claim income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

qIf you claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

qIf you receive support through part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act

qIf you receive the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

qIf you receive the Working Tax Credit four week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

Or if you:

qHave a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan

qReceive Disability Living Allowance

qAre looked after by their local authority

qHave left care through special guardianship or through an adoption or child arrangements order

Eligible parents and guardians will be entitled to 15 hours free childcare each week during school term time.

Some childminders and childcare settings may be able to stretch the hours over school holidays so your child will attend for fewer hours over more weeks.

People who think they may be eligible can apply by:

qCompleting the online Apply for free childcare form at www.northlincs.gov.uk

qCalling the Family Information Service on 01724 296629 who will send you a form to complete. You will need send to the Family Information Service, Hewson House, Station Road, Brigg, DN20 8XJ

qBy going to your local Children’s Centre for an application form.