Some parents in Lichfield and Burntwood with a two-year-old child could be eligible for free childcare.
From September 2013, families will be able to claim 15 hours free as long as parents are receiving either:
- Income support
- Income based on Job Seeker’s allowance
- Income related employment and support allowance
- Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit (including The Childcare Element) and the household income is not more than £16,190. Note: if you get Working Tax Credit, regardless of your income, you will not qualify.
- Guarantee element of state pension credit (from April 30, 2005)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Youngsters who are fostered will also receive the free childcare hours.
Councillor Robbie Marshall, cabinet member for health and wellbeing on Staffordshire County Council, said: “Children who begin learning at two often do better at school than those who haven’t.
“The opportunity for parents to access 15 hours free childcare will allow their children to benefit from the high-quality early education they need to help them get on in life both now and in the future.”
For further information about whether you are eligible for 15 hours free childcare or to apply for visit the Staffordshire County Council website or call 0300 111 8007.