Dorset parents urged to check if they are eligible for childcare funding

Some two-year-old children in Dorset are eligible for 15 hours of Early Education Funding.

The Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council is urging parents with a two-year-old child, or a child who is approaching two years, to check if they are eligible for funding.

This is due to a technical error at the Department of Work and Pensions, which meant the Council were not supplied with a full list of eligible households.

The funding offers up to 15 hours of childcare per week and can be used at local nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders.

Parents who are claiming certain benefits, such as universal credit and jobseekers allowance, may qualify.

Do you have a two-year-old, or know someone locally who does?

If so, they may be entitled to up to 15 hours of funded childcare a week, for 38 weeks of the year. If you’re unsure if you qualify, check our website: https://t.co/sHD3YYfnQY pic.twitter.com/QCByCE4rGy

— BCP Council (@BCPCouncil) 21 January 2020

Councillor Sandra Moore said: “It’s really important that if local parents are unsure whether they are eligible for free childcare for their two-year old, to check on the council website as they may be missing out on funding and unfortunately would not have received notification.”

For more information and to find out if you are eligible, visit BCP council’s Family Informative Directory.