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Free childcare places for 2-year-olds in Knowsley

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Families with children who will soon be celebrating their second birthday may be eligible for a free, part-time childcare place.

Knowsley Council has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the free childcare places so families with children who may be entitled don’t miss out.

Children turning two before 1 September this year may be able to claim up to 15 hours of free childcare during school term-time, or up to 11.5 hours a week spread over 50 weeks (including the school holidays).

The free places will be provided in local childcare settings rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. This includes privately run nurseries, child minders and some schools from September 2014.

Cllr Gary See, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services in Knowsley, said:

“We don’t want families to miss out so we’ve launched a campaign to help raise awareness of the free childcare places for two year olds.

“During June and July there will be a series of events around the borough providing information for families and details on how to apply for the free childcare.

“Alternatively, families can just call into their local Children’s Centre to find out more, or call Knowsley’s Childcare Information Service on 0800 085 2022 (option 1).”

Families in receipt of a range of benefits may be entitled to a free place.

To find out more, call into your local Children’s Centre, contact your health visiting team or call the Childcare Information Service on 0800 085 2022 (option 1) or 0151 443 5635.

Notes to Editor:

Families in receipt of any of the following benefits, or in any of the following circumstances, may be entitled to a free place:

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

  • Child Tax Credit and have an annual income not over £16,190

  • You get Working Tax Credits and earn no more than £16,190 a year, (please refer to your Tax Credit breakdown TC602)

  • Your child has a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care plan

  • Your child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  • Your child has left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Gemma Melling

Communications Officer (Media)

Knowsley Council

0151 443 3537

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free childcare two-year-old offer

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