To claim up to 30 hours free childcare from January 2020, parents should apply now to get their eligibility code.
1. How do I apply?
Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/30hours
You, and your partner if you have one, will need your:
• National Insurance Number
• Details of one or more of the following: your UK Passport, tax credits, P60 or a recent payslip
If you have any trouble with the online application, call the Childcare Funding helpline on 0300 123 4097
2. What should I do once I receive my eligibility code?
If you’re not already using childcare, you can use our Family Information Directory to find a childcare provider who is signed up to offer free early education and childcare. If you already have a childcare provider, you will need to check that they offer 30 hours free childcare.
You will need to take your code and National Insurance number to your chosen provider to be checked and to reserve your place in good time.
3. What will I need to pay for?
The 30 hours free childcare offer does not cover the cost of additional services, activities or consumables, such as lunch, nappies, trips or music classes and your childcare provider may charge extra for these. However, you shouldn’t be required to pay any fee as a condition of taking up a 30 hours place, and should be offered alternative options, such as choosing to provide your child’s own lunch.
4. I only work part time hours, am I eligible?
You don’t need to be working full time hours in order to be eligible.
You, and any partner, must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours a week at your national minimum wage. You must be earning under £100,000 per year to claim.
If you are a working parent, it is likely you will be eligible and you should check whether you can claim.
5. Do I have to use all 30 hours per week?
No, you can choose as much as you like, up to a maximum of 30 hours per week over 38 weeks. Some childcare providers may allow you to use your free hours over more weeks by using less hours each week. For instance, you could take 22 hours a week for 52 weeks. Speak to your childcare provider about how they offer 30 hours.
6. Can I use more than one childcare provider?
You can split the entitlement between multiple providers, for example between a childminder and a session at pre-school. However, you cannot use with more than two providers in one day.
If you’re struggling to find childcare, Dorset’s Family Information Service can help. If you’ve been unable to find what you’re looking for on the Family Information Directory, contact us and we’ll do all we can to help.
Contact the Family Information Service
7. I’m not eligible, what other help can I get?
All 3 and 4 year-olds are eligible for 15 hours a week free childcare. Details of all funding options can be found on the Childcare Choices website. There is also a Childcare Calculator so you can find out which options work best for your family.
8. I’m already claiming, do I need to do anything else?
Yes, you need to reconfirm that you are still eligible every three months. You must do this even if your child hasn’t started their 30 hours place. If you’re claiming 30 hours, you’re likely to also be able to get Tax-Free Childcare. You can claim this for all children under 12 years old.
