Families with no recourse to public funds

The Department for Education has permanently extended eligibility for the 2-year-old early education entitlement to disadvantaged children in households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). This means that the most disadvantaged 2-year-olds will be able to access early education regardless of their circumstances, subject to maximum income thresholds. 

Income thresholds

The annual household income thresholds for those families able to work are:

  • £26,500 for families outside of London with one child
  • £30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children

This includes any wider income or support a family may be receiving, in addition to any earnings from employment. 

Eligibility

All children are entitled to a 2-year-old early education place the term after they turn 2 and the family meets one of the eligibility criteria. Families applying under the NRPF criteria must evidence that:

  • Their immigration status shows they have 'no recourse to public funds'
  • The household meets the above income thresholds

Information required

When completing the Self Declaration Form, the following information is required:

  • A Share Code so that immigration status can be confirmed using The Home Office's Online Immigration Checking Services
  • If a Share Code is not available a Biometric Residency Permit can be used. This can be uploaded as an attachment to the Self Declaration Form, please include both sides.
  • Evidence to show that the families annual household income does not exceed the above thresholds. For example, a bank statement, payslip or employment contract. 

How to apply

Families that meet the no recourse to public funds critiera must complete:

Parents / carers will be contacted if further information is required to process the application.