Free play and learn for 2 – 3 year olds
Frequently asked questions
1.
What is the free childcare offer for 2-3 year olds?
Some two and three year olds may be entitled to free early education at 'Play and Learn'
sessions. This can take place at a nursery, playgroup, school or with a childminder. If you are
eligible, your child could receive 15 hours a week (term time only), or 11 hours a week (50
weeks a year).
2.
Am I eligible?
Children are eligible if they:
1. are from households where a parent is in receipt of any of the following benefits:
 Income Support
 Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
 Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
 Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
 the Guarantee element of the State Pension Credit
 or Child Tax Credit, provided they have an annual gross income of no more than
16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
 or are in receipt of Working Tax Credits (including those in receipt during the
four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work
fewer than 16 hours per week) with a household income of less than £16,190 as
assessed by HMRC
2. are looked after by their local authority;
3. have a current statement of special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care
plan;
4. have left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order;
5. are in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance.
3.
How does my child get a place?
Our Early Years team will send golden tickets to parents of eligible two year olds in County
Durham, to let them know that they qualify for 570 hours of free childcare a year.
The non-transferable golden tickets include a unique reference number, which can be used
with any childcare provider that is registered with Ofsted. Take your ticket along to your
preferred childcare setting.
Some parents may still be eligible for 2 year old funding even if they do not receive a golden
ticket. Check your eligibility against the current criteria above, then either download an
application form (PDF, 824kb) or contact the Childcare Places Team, by calling 03000 268
913, for a paper copy.
Once your completed application form is received, if your two year old is eligible, you will be
sent a letter to confirm this. The letter must be shownto the childcare provider before your
child can start their place.
4.
When does my child’s place start?
If you qualify, your child could take up their 'Play and Learn' sessions the term after their
second birthday.
Child’s second birthday
You can apply
Your child’s place will begin
September – December
September - December
January
January – March
January – March
April
April - August
April - August
September
5.
What if I need more than 15 hours a week?
You can only claim for 15 hours of free childcare. However, you may use more hours but
you will have to pay for these yourself. You will need to talk to the provider that you’re
using, about their prices.
6.
Do I have to use the full 15 hours?
No, your child can attend for less than 15 hours a week if you would like.
7.
What happens if my circumstances change?
The place is yours until your child goes to school, so your child remains eligible even if your
circumstances change.
8.
Can my child go to any nursery, playgroup, school or childminder?
Not all nurseries, playgroups, schools and childminders offer the free places for two year
olds. Please visit the Families Information Service website to search for providers who do
offer places in your area.
9.
Can I use more than one nursery, playgroup, school or childminder?
Yes, this is not a problem but you cannot use more than two providers.
10. Will my child go to a high quality nursery?
The free two year old childcare can usually only be used in “good” or “outstanding” providers.
This means a provider must have at least an Ofsted rating of “Good” to offer these free
places. Only in rare cases, where a “good” or “outstanding” provider is not available in your
area, will you be able to access free two year old childcare at an alternative provider.
11. Can I change childcare provider at any time?
Yes, you can change provider at any time you would like. You will need to arrange the
change between your new and old provider. If you require a copy of your eligibility letter,
to show your new provider, you can request one from the Childcare Places Team, by
calling 03000 268 913.
12. Is my child entitled to a free meal?
If a child takes up a place in a childcare setting you must either provide a packed lunch,
or arrange to pay for the nursery, playgroup, school or childminder to provide a meal.
13. Can parents continue to claim child tax credits once they take up a funded place?
Once a child takes up a funded place, they keep it even if the family’s circumstances
change. However you cannot claim child tax credits for childcare that they are getting
through the entitlement. Parents should contact HMRC for advice. Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk
for more information.
14. How will early education help me and my child?
Enjoying good quality early education at the age of two has been found to give children a
good start in life, making them more likely to enjoy and do well at school.
For example, children can:
 Develop their speech and language
 Make friends and play with other children
 Try out new and exciting activities
 Learn new skills
It can also help you:
 Have more time
 Take up a college course
 Go back to work
 Meet other parents
 Get ideas of how to help your child play and learn
Research shows that a high quality early education helps children to make good progress
with their language, physical and social development and helps to prepare them for starting
school. The advantage of early education can stay with them right through school and into
adulthood.
15. What happens when my child turns three?
When your child turns three they will be able to take up a free place for 15 hours a week for
38 weeks a year (term time only), or 11 hours a week (50 weeks a year) in a school nursery
class or with an approved childcare provider. Your child may be able to stay where they have
been when they were two.
16. Will this affect my benefits?
Taking up a place for your two year old won’t affect the majority of your benefits. However,
your entitlement to Child Tax Credit and in some cases Housing Benefit may change. If you
are claiming help towards childcare costs through the childcare element of Working Tax
Credit you need to inform HMRC on telephone 0345 300 3900 as soon as possible before
your child starts as you cannot claim help for free early education and childcare.
If you delay informing HMRC you may be paid too much and will have to pay it back. You
may also be liable for a fine if you do not report the change within one month. You can still
claim the childcare element of Working Tax Credit for any additional childcare you pay for
outside of free early education and childcare.
17. If I have missed the first or first two terms can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply for a place at any point during the year.
18. Can you take the play and learn place in another county? / Do you have to attend a
childcare setting in the county you live in?
Yes, you can take the play and learn place in another county. You do not have to attend
a childcare setting in the county where you live, but your application must be made to the
authority for the area you would like your child to attend, rather than to the authority
where you live.
Please ask us if you would like this document
summarised in another language or format.
03000 261 381
CAS18296 Children and Adults Services, 2017