Entitlements for Disadvantaged 2 Year Olds
Free early education for 2 year olds, known locally as the Early Learning Programme for 2 Year Olds, or Disadvantaged 2 Year Olds, is a statutory entitlement for all eligible children.
Eligible children are entitled to up to 15 hours per week of free early education for a total of 38 weeks, or 570 hours delivered flexibly. Free places are offered across the city in,
Childcare settings who are:
a) Registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register
b) On the Local Authority's Directory of Providers
c) Graded as good or outstanding by Ofsted or, for those settings graded as satisfactory/requires improvement, can demonstrate they are working at good or outstanding through the Local Authority's quality improvement processes
Schools who are:
a) Graded as good or outstanding by Ofsted or, for those settings graded as satisfactory/requires improvement, can demonstrate they are working at good or outstanding through the Local Authority's quality improvement processes.
b) On the Local Authority's Directory of Providers
c) Exempt from Early Years registration
For eligibility criteria or to apply a 2 Year Old Funded place please visit Ask Lion
The latest government information on the 15-hour entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds can be found at
Ensuring sufficient quality early learning places
The Local Authority are responsible for ensuring there are enough, quality funded places for every eligible child who wishes to access their entitlement. We assess this regularly through our Childcare Sufficiency Assessments and will work with settings including schools, Ofsted registered day nurseries, pre-school playgroups, childminders and Children's Centres to expand their 2 year old provision where needed and where possible.
