Eligibility
The Free for 2s offer is for parents of 2-year-olds who:
- work and meet certain income criteria and receive certain benefits
- do not work and receive certain benefits
- live in Haringey
See full eligibility criteria at GOV.UK: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds if you claim certain benefits.
Applying for Free for 2s
Act now – places are limited.
With Haringey’s Free for 2s, some 2-year-olds can have a free early learning place in a nursery, children’s centre, playgroup or childminder, for up to 15 hours a week. Early learning is good for children’s social, physical and mental development and also helps them to prepare for school – giving your child the best start in life.
You can apply once your child is 1 year and 6 months old, however, they cannot start until the term after their second birthday. You can apply straight away if you have already missed the term your child could have started.
We will let you know within 10 to 15 working days of receiving your application whether your child can have a free place. We might ask you for more information, if necessary.
Apply now for free early learning for your 2-year-old
Help completing the form
If you need help in completing your online form, download the step by step visual guide below, or visit your nearest children’s centre, they will be happy to help.
How Free for 2s works
With Free for 2s, your child’s place of 15 hours per week will be completely free of charge to you. All money is paid directly from us to the person or provider where your child has a place.
Providers are not allowed to charge you a registration fee or a deposit, or ask you to pay for uniforms, or similar as a condition of your child taking up a place. However, you should expect to pay for meals offered by the provider alongside your child's free entitlement.
We recommend that you speak to your chosen childcare provider about the hours that they can offer you.
If you want a place for your child for more than 15 hours, you will need to ask your provider and pay for any extra hours yourself.
Even if your circumstances change while your child has a place, your child will not lose their free place.
Please note that your benefits are not affected as this is an additional support.
Videos
Watch parents talk about Free for 2s.
Finding a provider
See choosing quality childcare for more tips and advice on finding a provider in your area.
You’ll need to give the provider the letter or email we sent you saying you can have a free place – you do not need to provide an HMRC code. You can also use your eligibility letter in the borough of your choice – just check with the childcare provider that they are a registered free early learning provider for that borough.
Our easy search helps you find Haringey’s free childcare providers. You can also choose the area and type of provider you are looking for.
Make sure you contact your preferred provider as soon as possible to confirm and secure your place.
When your child can start
If your child is eligible for Free for 2s, they can start the term after their second birthday:
| If your child turns 2 between: | Your child can start from: |
|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | 1 January |
| 1 January to 31 March | 1 April |
| 1 April to 31 August | 1 September |
You can apply once your child is 1 year and 6 months old – however, they cannot start until the term after their second birthday. You can apply straight away if you have already missed the term your child could have started.
Early Years Pupil Premium
Your childcare provider can apply to get Early Years Pupil Premium funding for 2-year-old children from low-income families.
The government introduced this to help raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities to reach their full potential. Speak to your childcare provider for further details.
Other options available
If you do not meet the criteria for a Free for 2s place, there are other options available.
You can find out what help you can get with childcare costs on the government's Childcare Choices website.