Free early learning

The following pages offer advice and guidance of childcare support and the funded early education places available in Barking & Dagenham.

2 year olds – For families receiving some additional forms of government support.

Free early learning application form

Apply

Do you have a two year old? You could be eligible for a free early education place to start the school term after the childs 2nd birthday.

Your two year old could access their early learning funding with a 'good' or 'outstanding' Ofsted-rated childcare provider. The free hours are flexible and can be arranged with your childcare provider.

This funding can be accessed in different ways:

  • up to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year (term time only)
  • up to 11 hours over 51 weeks by stretching funding to cover school holidays

These options depend upon the childcare provider's vacancies. 

See if you're eligible

If you have any questions, please call 0208 227 5395 to speak to a member of the Family Information Service or email fis@lbbd.gov.uk. 

Your child will be entitled to this offer if you meet one of the following criteria:

Criteria Evidence required

Income Support;

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA.

 National Insurance number, date of birth and family name of parent.
Universal Credit - if you and your partner have a combined income from work of £15,400 or less a year, after tax. National Insurance number, date of birth and family name of parent.
Tax credits and you have an annual income of £16,190 or less a year, before tax. National Insurance number, date of birth and family name of parent.
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit. National Insurance number, date of birth and family name of parent.

Special criteria will apply to children known to Social Care or Portage based on the following information.

Criteria Evidence required
A 1 year old child who is looked after by the local authority Name and contact details of your social worker
A 2 year old child who receives Disability Living Allowance Recent award letter
A 2 year old child who has left care through special guardianship or residence order Copy of the court order as evidence
A 1 year old who is supported by Social Care or 2 year old supported by Portage and Inclusion Name and contact details of Social Worker or Portage and Inclusion worker.

If you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits, find out more advice on the GOV.uk website.

Free early learning on GOV.uk