Help with Childcare Costs

No recourse to public funds (NRPF)

2-year-old entitlement  for families receiving additional forms of support

If 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 funded childcare for your 2-year-old. You must live in England and your household income after tax must be no more than:

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

You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

More information about the 2-year-old entitlement for parents with NRPF on the NRPF Network website

To apply, please email earlyyears@southend.gov.uk

Working parent entitlement for 9 months to 4 years old

Eligible working families in England with children aged 9 months to 4 years can receive 30 hours of funded childcare a week for 38 weeks. The maximum each year is 1140 hours.

The amount of free childcare you can get depends on your immigration status.

You (and your partner if you have one) must have a National Insurance number. The person who applies must also have at least one of the following:

  • permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this

The person who makes the application must meet an immigration requirement. The parent (and their partner if they have one) must meet employment and income requirements.

  • check the eligibility criteria on the government website
  • apply for free childcare if you are working on the government website
  • more information about the working parent entitlement for parents with NRPF on the NRPF Network website

Universal 3 and 4 year old entitlement

All 3 and 4 year old children are eligible for up to 15 hours per week funded childcare from the term following their third birthday. You do not need to apply – just let your childcare provider know you want the funded 15 hours early education place. Your childcare provider will ask you to complete a ‘Parent Declaration Form’. This form authorises your childcare provider to claim funding from the Council for the funded hours your child gets.