Free Funded Places
We are able to offer Free Early Years Education Funding to children from the age of 2.
We offer the universal 15 hour funded places to all children, with effect from the first term following their third birthday, as well as the extended 30 hours funding for working families of 3 and 4 year old children whose parents are eligible.
From April 2024, we have also been able to offer the free early education entitlement for working families of younger children from the age of 2. Eligible working families are currently able to access 15 hours per week from the age of 2, which is due to increase to 30 hours per week by September 2025.
In order to check your eligibility, parents are directed to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk where you can complete an online eligibility check as well as apply for the extended funding.
For further information about the Free Early Education Entitlement for 3-4 years old children in Cheshire East, parents are directed to:
We also offer free funded places to 2 year old children whose parents meet the eligibility criteria. For more information and to check your eligibility, parents are directed to, https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/looking-after-someone/childcare/free-early-education-feee-2yr-old.aspx
In order to claim your Free Funded Hours, parents will need to complete a Funding Declaration Form before the start of each term. We will notify parents when this needs to happen and ensure that parents have been given a copy of the form to complete and sign. Declaration forms will be made available from Preschool, or please click here to download a copy (and check your download folder).