Together for 2s
How does it work?
Some two-year-olds of families who get extra support, may be eligible for 570 hours of funded early education and childcare per year. They can receive a maximum of 15 hours per week throughout the school year, which spans 38 weeks. However, the funding offers complete flexibility, allowing you to access the 570 hours over anything from 38 to 52 weeks.
Different providers offer different options on how funded hours are distributed throughout the year. The childcare must be provided by a registered provider, such as a registered nursery, playscheme or school. This is known as approved childcare.
Funding can be claimed from the term after the child turns 2 years old.
How to apply
Applying for two-year-old funding is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
- Apply online using the Bromley eligibility checker - please read all the information on the two-year-old funding online form to check if you are eligible.
- Once completed, you'll receive a unique code that you can provide to your chosen provider.
Please only select one criteria when completing the online application.
Apply for two-year-old funding
Are you eligible?
You will be eligible if you get any of the following extra support:
- you get Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax (not including benefit payments)
- you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- you get the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, also known as an EHCP
- your child gets Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- the child is looked after by a local authority (see Early Education and Childcare Statutory Guidance)
- your child has left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order
If you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits
If your immigration status says you cannot claim benefits you may still get free childcare for your 2 year old.
Your household income after tax must be no more than:
- £26,500 for families outside of London with one child
- £34,500 for families within London with one child
- £30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children
- £38,600 for families within London with two or more children
You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.
If you’re working
If you get extra support and you work, you may qualify for an extra 15 hours of free childcare. Find out more about Funded Childcare for Working Parents.
If you qualify for both schemes, you should apply for this one first.
When to apply
| When your child turns 2 | When to apply for 15 hours | When your child can start using 15 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Between 1 January and 31 March | Between 1 January and 31 March | 1 April - Summer term |
| Between 1 April and 31 August | Between 1 April and 31 August | 1 September - Autumn term |
| Between 1 September and 31 December | Between 1 September and 31 December | 1 January - Spring term |
Important to know
Children who qualify for the two-year-old funding can continue to benefit from it until they are eligible for the 3 and 4 year-old 15 hours of universal funding.
Remember, your child doesn't have to use the full 15 hours - feel free to use as many or as few hours as you wish.
We recommend applying during the term when your child turns 2, allowing them to start claiming the funding from the term following their second birthday.
If you apply in the term(s) after your child turns 2 years old, you can use this funding immediately (you don’t have to wait until the next term to start using it).
Apply for two-year-old funding
The London Borough of Bromley does not endorse, guarantee, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any advice, recommendations, or services provided by third-party advisors and/or services. You are encouraged to perform your own due diligence before making any decisions.