Some two-year-olds in the borough can get 15 hours of free early education or childcare per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. However can also be spread across 52 weeks of the year should you wish to do this.

Your two-year-old can get free early education and childcare if you live in England and either:

• If you’re getting benefits
• Income support
• Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (not eligible if on contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (not eligible if on contribution-based employment support allowance)
• Tax credits (with an annual income of under £16,190 before tax)
• Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
• The guaranteed element of state pension credit
• Universal credit – if you and your partner have a combined income from work of less than £15,400 a year after tax
• Working tax credit four-week run-on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for working tax credit).

Funded Childcare for Babies from 9 Months to 3 Years

We provide government-funded childcare for babies from 9 months to 3 years, helping to ease the cost of care for working families. It’s important to note that this is funded education, not free, and helps cover a portion of your childcare costs.

• Up to 15 Hours Per Week: Eligible families can receive up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week
• Year-Round Care: We offer full-time care for 52 weeks a year, with funded hours spread over the year to ensure continuous support for children under the age of 2 years.
• Funded Hours: For children over the age of two, we have available funded hours from 9:00-12:00 and 13:00- 16:00.
• Wraparound Care: Additional hours before, during, and after funded sessions are available at our private rate
• Our 13:00-16:00 sessions are fully funded, with a voluntary contribution of £1 per hour

Eligibility Criteria

• Working Parents: Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) must be employed, earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for a minimum of 16 hours per week.
• Families receiving benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit, or Child Tax Credit with an income of

£16,190 or less (for 2 years+)

• Special Needs or Foster Care: Children with special educational needs, disabilities, or those in foster care may also qualify.
• Income Limits: Household income must not exceed £100,000 per
• Residency: The child must be a UK resident

How to Apply:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm eligibility on the [Lewisham Council website](https://www.lewisham.gov.uk).
2. Apply Online: Complete the application form on the council’s website
3. Submit Documents: Provide proof of income, employment, and your child’s
4. Receive Confirmation: Once approved, present your confirmation code to us to arrange funded sessions