Described by the Department for Education as a "substantial investment in the early education and developmental outcomes of children", the "free" early education entitlement is a central government scheme providing up to 15 or 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged two, three or four (subject to eligibility criteria) until they reach compulsory school age.
The current provision enables a two-year-old in England to receive 15 hours of funded early education and childcare if their parent is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, including, among others, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, universal credit and support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act. A child can also get funded early education and childcare if they are looked after by a local council; have a current statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan; receive disability living allowance; or have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order.
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