Does your tot qualify for free child care?

Fifteen hours of free child care a week is available for Derbyshire two year olds in families earning less than £16,190 a year and claiming tax credits.

Funding is also available for two year olds whose families are claiming certain benefits including income support, universal credit or income-based job seeker’s allowance.

The funding is designed to help children get a good start in life by giving them new experiences and teaching them new skills.

Free places aren’t limited to nursery schools. Children can take up a free place with a childminder, pre-school group or in a school or private nursery.

And if a child is two by today (March 31), they could start getting their free hours after Easter.

All Derbyshire children aged three and four qualify for free child care. But there is extra money for some two year olds. Regardless of income, free child care is available for two year olds who:

• Are in care

• Have a current statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan

• Have left care through special guardianship, an adoption placement or child arrangement order (residence order)

• Are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.

To find out more go to Derbyshire County Council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/freechildcare, text ‘Child’ to 86555 (texts cost 10p), or call 01629 539316 / 01629 539317 / 01629 539319 during office hours.