Help with childcare costs

Some 2-year-olds in Staffordshire may be eligible for 15 hours of funded early learning per week, up to 570 hours per year. This offer is known locally as Think2.

How funding can be used

• 15 hours per week for 38 weeks
• Stretch funding: fewer hours per week spread over more weeks. Not all providers offer this—please check with your childcare provider.

Who is eligible?

Your child may be eligible if your family receives any one of the following:

Economic criteria

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit, with a household income of £15,400 or less per year after tax, not including benefit payments
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (support for asylum seekers)

Non-economic criteria

Your child may also qualify if they:

• Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Are looked after by the local authority
• Have left care through special guardianship, adoption, or a child arrangement order
• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

For non-UK citizens

If you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits and your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still get funded childcare for your 2-year-old. You must live in England and your household income after tax must be no more than:

• £26,500 for families outside of London with one child
• £30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children
• You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

Important: You will need to provide documentation to support your application. You can send copies by email to eeac@staffordshire.gov.uk 

Will my child lose funding if our circumstances change?

No. Once your child is approved for Think2, their funded hours will continue even if your circumstances change.

When can my child start?

Funded childcare for children can begin from the term after they turn 2 (if eligibility is confirmed), or at any point thereafter.

 You can apply from the term in which your child turns 2.

How to apply

You can apply online by creating a Citizen Portal account.

You'll need: 

• A valid email address
• Your National Insurance or NASS number

You can also apply in person at:

• Staffordshire Children’s Centres
• Main Libraries

Staff can help you with your application. Please bring your National Insurance or NASS number and any required documents.

What happens after you apply?

If your application is successful:

• You’ll receive a confirmation code
• Give this code to your chosen childcare provider

Where can I use funded places?

Most childcare providers accept Think2 funding, including:

• Childminders
• Pre-schools
• Nurseries (private and school-run)

Find childcare options in your area. 

Can families eligible for Think2 get 30 hours ?

Yes. Some families may be eligible for both Think2 and the Working Parent Entitlement.

• You must meet the criteria for both schemes
• Apply for the Working Parent Entitlement via the Best Start in Life website
• You’ll receive a second confirmation code to give to your provider

Additional support

You may also be eligible for:

• Early Years Pupil Premium – extra funding to support your child’s education
• Disability Access Fund – funding for providers to make reasonable adjustments for children receiving DLA
• Help with childcare costs – through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit

What does funding cover?

It can cover some of the hours a child attends a childcare provider. They do not cover:

• Meals
• Nappies
• Extra hours beyond the funded entitlement
• Additional activities (e.g. trips)

These extras must not be mandatory or a condition for accessing a funded place. Speak to your provider about optional services or alternatives. 

Not eligible for Think2?

You may still qualify for 30 hours of funded childcare through the Working Parent Entitlement. Visit our Working Parent Entitlement page for more details.