Take Off funding for 9 month to 4 year olds
Eligibility criteria
If you are a working parent and your child is 9 months and above, you might be eligible for 1140 hours of funded early learning childcare. This means 1140 hours per year equivalent to a maximum of 30 hours per week.
Over the next 3 months you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn at least, on average, equivalent to the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week.
Both parents in a two-parent household must be working. Part-time working could meet the income threshold. Self-employed parents may also be eligible.
Your child’s place using the funded early learning childcare offers is funded by the Government. However, this Government funding does not cover:
- meals and nappies
- a registration or administration fee
- additional activities, such as trips.
- extra hours due to the pattern of attendance.
We recommend that these extras are confirmed in writing before you take up your child’s place and itemised on the invoice your provider gives you. Some providers may let you bring a packed lunch if the cost of their lunch is a barrier to you taking a place.
You can earn up to £100,000 adjusted net income per year and be eligible. If you or your partner have an expected adjusted net income over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.
You can check your eligibility and apply for your code up to 16 weeks before your child is due to start. Your eligibility code must be revalidated every 3 months otherwise you will lose your funding.
- If your child turns 9 months old in the summer term, on or before the 31 August then, if you are eligible, you will receive your funding in the autumn term starting in September.
- If your child turns 9 months old in the autumn term, on or before the 31 December then if you are eligible, you will receive your funding in the spring term starting in January.
- If your child turns 9 months old in the spring term, on or before the 31 March then if you are eligible, you will receive your funding in the spring term starting in April.