Achieving 2 Year Olds (A2YO)

For Information

Your 2 year old may be entitled to a funded early education place for up to 15 hours a week. Don't let your child miss out on the best start in life, give them the opportunity to make new friends, learn through play and have lots of fun!

Is my Child Eligible for a Funded Place?


Yes, if you are in receipt of one or more of the benefits listed below.  You should automatically recieve notification (see table below):

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
  • child tax credits, and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax
  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

Or for the criteria below, please complete an online application form.

  • Your child has a current statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP)

  • Your child gets Disability Allowance
  • Your child is looked after by a local authority
  • Your child has left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order

Or for the criteria below, please complete an online application form.

  • You’re a non- UK citizen who cannot claim benefits.
    If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still get free childcare for your 2-year-old. You must live in England and eligibility is subject to a maximum household income.

When Can Eligible Children Start their Funded Place?

If your child's 2nd birthday falls between     

Places are available from  

You will get notification of your eligibility

 1 January - 31 March the term starting on or after 1st April  sometime in March
 1 April - 31 August the term starting on or after 1st September        sometime in June

 1 September - 31 December

the term starting on or after 1st January sometime in November

If eligible, you will need to make sure that your child is registered and attending your chosen childcare setting before the following headcount dates, in order for the setting to claim the funding from the Local Authority.

  • Spring Term (2024) headcount 18th January 2024
  • Summer Term (2024) headcount 16th May 2024
  • Autumn Term (2024) headcount  3rd October 2024

Please do not apply too early.  The best time to apply is one month before your child's funded place could start, refer to the table above. 

Where can my child go?

View the list of Day Nurseries, Playgroups or Childminders registered to take your child. Not all childminders are on the Family Service Directory, for a full list of Achieving 2 Year Old settings contact the Family Information Service (see below).

View the list of schools registered.

How do I Apply?

If you haven’t had notification of your eligibility (also known as a Golden Ticket) before the term begins and think that you may be eligible You can apply online here (you don't need to create an account).

You will need the name of the person claiming the benefits, their national insurance or NASS number and their date of birth for completing the form.

If you are unable to complete the form online please use the downloadable version, right. Post to the address below or take it into your nearest Children's Centre.

When you complete the application you will be encouraged to 'Opt In' to joining your local Children's Centre.  This has many benefits to you and your child.  Find out more about Middlesbrough Family Hubs.

or telephone the Family Information Service on 01642 354200 or contact your nearest Children's Centre.

If you are receiving the Childcare element of Universal Credit
Please read Leaflet WTC5 particularly section 'Changes you must tell us about'.

What Happens after I have applied?
We will send you a letter to let you know whether you are eligible or not.  
If you are eligible your letter will contain information on how to find childcare in your area.

Where to go

Name
Family Information Service
Address
Hemlington Family Hub
Cass House Road
Hemlington
Middlesbrough
Postcode
TS8 9EQ
View TS8 9EQ on a map

Page last reviewed: 02/01/2024

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