This information is for social workers requesting 30 hours childcare for children in the care of and previously in the care of Trafford Council.
Eligibility for 30 hours childcare
All children are eligible for a free place from the term after their third birthday. This is a universal entitlement of up to 15 hours of early education per week.
Some children may be eligible for an additional 15 hours (called 'extended hours'). This is known as 30 hours childcare.
Eligibility is assessed by HMRC through the Best Start in Life service. Parents and carers should first apply through the service. If they are eligible, they will be issued a 30-hour code.
Children in foster care
The eligibility criteria include children in foster care. Children are eligible when the foster parent is taking up paid employment outside of their fostering role, and accessing the extended hours is consistent with the child's care plan.
Eligibility for children in foster care is assessed by the child's responsible local authority. Extended hours are allocated in agreement with the child's social worker.
If Trafford care-experienced children do not meet the criteria, social workers can request hours on their behalf.
Request childcare
Where the national criteria are not met, social workers can apply for 30 hours of childcare for care-experienced children by completing an online form.
To complete the form, you will need:
- The child's details, including full name and date of birth
- Name and address of the childcare provider where the child will be taking up their funded place
- Foster carer details, including a contact email address (where applicable)