Help with childcare costs

Help and support with childcare costs

Contents

Funded 2-year places - for families receiving support

Some 2-year-olds in Staffordshire may be eligible for 15 hours of funded early education 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 and National Insurance, excluding benefits)
  • Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Working Tax Credit 4-week run-on (after you stop qualifying)

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 residence order
  • Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

For non-EEA citizens

You may be eligible if:

  • You have claimed asylum and are awaiting a decision (‘Part 6’)
  • You have been refused asylum (‘Section 4’)
  • Your household income is £15,400 or less per year (after tax), and you have:
    • Leave to remain with no recourse to public funds on family or private life grounds
    • Support from your local council due to a child in need (e.g. disability or child protection plan)
    • The right to live in the UK as the main carer of a British citizen (‘Zambrano Carer’)

Important: You will need to provide documentation to support your application. You can send copies by post or email. Visit the Think2 contact page for details.

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.

  • Birthday range: 1 January to 31 March - 1 April (Summer Term)
  • Birthday range: 1 April to 31 August - 1 September (Autumn Term)
  • Birthday range: 1 September to 31 December - 1 January (Spring Term)

 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)
  • Some out-of-school clubs

Find childcare options in your area. 

Could I get 30 hours instead?

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:

What does funding cover?

Funded hours pay for early education time at a provider. They do not cover:

  • Meals
  • Nappies
  • Extra hours beyond the funded entitlement
  • School-based early years provision
  • 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.