Free Places for 2 Year Olds
If you get benefits and have a child who is two years old, we may be able to offer you a little extra help with our new scheme called Think2.
From September 2013 eligible families will be able to get 15 hours of quality childcare for their two year old free every week during term time. We will be working closely with the local nurseries, childminders and pre-schools who will offer this care.
Children as young as two really benefit from early education. They learn while they play, mixing improves their social skills and they get used to a routine. Once they’re old enough to go to school, they’re already well prepared and often achieve more.
To qualify for a free childcare place your child must be 2 years old. And you must be getting one of the following benefits:
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Income support
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Income based on Job Seeker’s allowance
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Income related employment and support allowance
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Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit (including The Childcare Element) and the household income is not more than £16,190. Note: if you get Working Tax Credit, regardless of your income, you will not qualify.
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Guarantee element of state pension credit (from 30th April 2005)
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Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
If your two year old is a fostered/‘looked after’ child, you will automatically be eligible.
If your child already has a place on the Think2 pilot scheme you will be automatically eligible and need do nothing more.
If you think you qualify, you can apply online|.
Or if you prefer you can print out, complete and return the 
application form| (580 kb) to the address below:
Staffordshire Think2 Central Team,
Tipping Street,
Stafford,
ST16 2DH
If you have any questions or would like to talk to an advisor please contact us|.
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