At Whitecote Primary School, we aim to help families access the childcare funding they are entitled to. Below is a breakdown of the free early education and childcare hours available in Leeds, as governed by national schemes and administered by Leeds City Council. 

Important Notes for Parents:

• When Funding Starts: Funding begins the term after your child reaches the eligible age.
  • Autumn Term: (Starts September 1st) - For birthdays between April 1st and August 31st.
  • Spring Term: (Starts January 1st) - For birthdays between September 1st and December 31st.
  • Summer Term: (Starts April 1st) - For birthdays between January 1st and March 31st.

If you have any queries about when your child will be able to begin receiving funding, please contact Mr Saville-Gill at the school office or call 0113 216 4800 (Option 2). 

1. 15 Hours Free Childcare for Eligible 2-Year-Olds (Little Doves)

• Who is it for?
  • Families receiving certain benefits (e.g., Income Support, Universal Credit with low income, Tax Credits with low income).
  • Children who are 'looked after' by the local authority, or have left care under specific orders.
  • Children who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
• How to apply: You will need to apply directly through the Leeds City Council website to get an eligibility code. Help paying for childcare: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds if you claim certain benefits - GOV.UK

2. 15 Hours Universal Free Childcare for All 3 & 4-Year-Olds (Nursery)

• Who is it for? All children in this age group, regardless of family income or work status.
• How it works: Once your child is eligible, your chosen nursery or childcare provider will typically claim this funding directly from Leeds City Council on your behalf.

3. 30 Hours Free Childcare for Working 3 & 4-Year-Olds (Nursery)

• Who is it for? Working parents where both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) generally meet specific income requirements:
  • Earning at least the National Minimum Wage/Living Wage for 16 hours per week.
  • Each earning less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year.
• How to apply: Parents must apply through the government's Childcare Choices website. Get free childcare if you're working: Check if you're eligible - GOV.UK. You will receive an 11-digit code which you must provide to the school office. You'll need to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months.

4. Exciting New Funding Expansions (Phased Rollout)

The government is expanding funded childcare significantly. Eligibility for working parents for these new phases generally mirrors the 30-hours criteria (working and earning below £100k):

• From April 2024 (Already Started): 15 hours free childcare for eligible working parents of 2-year-olds. 
• From September 2024 (Upcoming): 15 hours free childcare for eligible working parents of children from 9 months old. 
• From September 2025 (Upcoming): 30 hours free childcare for eligible working parents of children from 9 months old up to school age.

For the very latest information, to check your eligibility, or to apply for funding, please visit:

• Childcare Choices: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
• Family Information Service from Leeds City Council: https://familyinformation.leeds.gov.uk/