Free early learning for two year olds
Free early learning places are available in Royal Greenwich for some two year olds and all three and four year olds. Free early learning for two year olds is known as Together for Twos.
This page is about free early learning for two year olds. Find out about free early learning for three and four year olds.
Who can get free early learning
If your child is two or will soon be two, he or she may be eligible for a free early learning place in Royal Greenwich.
This depends on certain criteria such as if your child has additional needs or if your family receives any of the following benefits:
- income-based Job Seekers Allowance
- income support
- Child Tax Credit and/or Working Tax Credit (your annual gross income must not be over £16,190)
- Universal Credit (if you and your partner are on a low income from work - this usually means a combined income of less than £15,400 a year after tax)
- disability-related Working Tax Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Pension Credit Guarantee and Child Tax Credit
From September 2024, eligible working parents of children from 9 months to 3 years old can access 15 hours of childcare support.
By September 2025, eligible working families with children aged between 9 months and 5 years old will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support.
The changes are being introduced gradually to make sure that providers can meet the needs of more families.
Depending on your provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week.
Check if your child is eligible
To find out more you can contact your local children's centre or the Families Information Service.
When your child can start
If your child is eligible, they can get free early learning the term after their second birthday. Use the table to check when your child is eligible.
| Date of birth | When they become eligible |
|---|---|
| Between 1 April and 31 August | 1 September following their second birthday |
| Between 1 September and 31 December | 1 January following their second birthday |
| Between 1 January and 31 March | 1 April following their second birthday |
How free early learning works
Free early learning places can be used at any of the following:
- a registered childminder
- a children's centre
- a creche
- a nursery
- a pre-school playgroup.
Your local children's centre or the Families Information Service can give you a list of places that your child can attend.
Early learning places are free at the point of delivery so you shouldn't be charged in advance for your place.
Flexible arrangements
You are allocated up to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks a year. You can spread your hours over three days or more, which can help if you're working or studying.
You can also spread the 15 hours across more than one provider if you want.