Working Parent Entitlement

Part of: Funded early education

Contents

Working parents may be able to get up to 30 hours a week of funded early education from the term after their child turns 9 months old, up to and including the school term they turn 5.

What you can get

Eligible families can receive up to 30 hours on a term-time basis. Some providers may deliver places on an ‘all year round’ basis, which gives fewer hours over more weeks of the year. 

Your early education provider will confirm how they offer the hours. The number of hours in a session and the days available may be different at each provider.

Who is eligible 

You can find information about eligibility on the Best Start in Life website.

Children in the care of or previously in the care of Trafford Council may also be eligible. To arrange this, parents or carers should contact their Trafford social worker. 

When your child becomes eligible

Children are eligible the 1 January, 1 April or 1 September after both of the following conditions are met:

  • The child has turned 9 months old
  • You have received a valid eligibility code from HMRC

How to apply

You apply online through the Best Start In Life service.

You need to:

  • Complete an online application.
  • If you are eligible, you will receive an eligibility code.
  • Give your code to your childcare provider for validation before taking up your place.
  • Reconfirm your eligibility with HMRC every three months.

Most parents will find out immediately if they're eligible, but further information may be required. You should apply as soon as you can.

Children may be able to keep their free place for a short time, called the grace period, if their parent falls out of eligibility. If this happens, discuss your options with your childcare provider.

Application deadlines

You must apply before the deadline for the term you want your funded hours to start.

  • 31 March for funding starting in April
  • 31 August for funding starting in September
  • 31 December for funding starting in January

If you do not apply before the deadline, your funded hours will start the following term.