Free childcare for Sutton’s two year olds

Sutton Council is appealing for parents of two year olds to come forward to find out if they can benefit from free childcare as part of a scheme to support low income families.

The scheme provides eligible children with 570 hours of free education a year (normally taken as 15 hours a week of free early learning for up to 38 weeks a year).

The scheme is available to residents who earn less than £16,190, receive Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, or other benefits, from the term after a child’s second birthday, thanks to funding from the government.

The free childcare can be provided by nurseries, childminders, pre-schools or playgroups.

There are currently around 250 two year olds in Sutton benefiting from the scheme, but this is a fraction of the number who may be eligible. The council wants to ensure that everyone who is entitled to this support receives it.

Councillor David Callaghan, Chair of Sutton Council’s Children, Family and Education Committee, said:

“Free childcare will give a real boost to low income families in Sutton and ensure that children get the best possible start in life. However we know that not everyone who is entitled to this free childcare is getting it so it’s important that families get in touch with the council to find out if their children are eligible.

“Support is there for parents who wish to return to work or adult education, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.”

For more information visit www.sutton.gov.uk/familyinfo.

People can also contact Sutton Family Information Service at Sutton Council: call 020 8770 6000 or familyinfo@sutton.gov.uk.