Parents and their children are always welcome to visit our Nursery. If you would like to arrange this, or would like further information, please contact Mrs. Doughty, Office Manager, on 01388 772959.
The table below shows current entitlement, along with dates when the new entitlement will start.
| Timeframe | What three to four year olds get | What two year olds get | What children nine to 23 months get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now | All get 15 hours – see 15 hours free childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible – see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 15 hours if eligible – see Funded childcare sessions for two-year-olds | None |
| From April 2024 | All get 15 hours – see 15 hours free childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible – see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 15 hours if eligible – see Funded childcare sessions for two-year-olds New: 15 hours for eligible working families. Visit Childcare Choices to find out more and apply (applications open 2 January 2024). | None |
| From September 2024 | All get 15 hours – see 15 hours free childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible – see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 15 hours if eligible – see Funded childcare sessions for two-year-olds15 hours for eligible working families. Visit Childcare Choices to find out more and apply (applications open 2 January 2024). | 15 hours if eligible |
| From September 2025 | All get 15 hours – see 15 hours free childcare for three and four year olds, or 30 hours if eligible – see 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds | 30 hours if eligible | 30 hours if eligible |
Children are eligible to attend our Nursery in the term following their 3rd birthday.
Detailed information about our Nursery admissions can be found at:
http://www.durham.gov.uk/earlyyears.
Application forms are available to collect from the School Office, by post, email or download a copy here:
30 Hours Free Entitlement
We are able to offer 30 hours free childcare to eligible parents. Interested parents can contact Mrs. Doughty, Office Manager, for more details on 01388 772959.
More information about eligibility and how to apply can be found at: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
2 Year Old Places
We have free places available for 2 year old children. Your 2 year old child will be eligible if you get one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
- tax credits, and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
A child can also get a free 2 year old place if they:
- are looked after by the Local Authority
- have a current Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP)
- access Disability Living Allowance
- have left care under a Special Guardianship Order, Child Arrangements Order or Adoption Order
Further information and application guidance can be found at;
You can apply from the term your child turns two:
| Child’s 2nd birthday | Your child’s place will begin |
|---|---|
| September – December (You can apply from September) | January |
| January – March (You can apply from January) | April |
| April – August (you can apply from April) | September |
Link to create an account to access a 2 year old place below:
https://education.durham.gov.uk/synergyweb/Enquiries/Citizen/EarlyYears.aspx
If you’re a non-EEA citizen who cannot claim benefits
Your 2 year old child may get free childcare if you are getting support under the Immigration and Asylum Act and have either:
- claimed asylum in the UK and are waiting for a decision (known as ‘part 6’), further information can be found here.
- been refused asylum in the UK (known as ‘section 4’)
A 2 year old child, who you care for, may also get free childcare if your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, and you have any of the following:
- leave to remain with ‘no recourse to public funds’ on family or private life grounds
- support from your local council because you have ‘a child in need’, for example they have a disability or a child protection plan
- the right to live in the UK because you’re the main carer of a British citizen (known as a ‘Zambrano Carer’)
Check with your local council if you’re unsure if you can access free childcare.
