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Applications were now open to working parents with children who will be at least nine-months-old on or before March 31
The deadline for families to secure up to 30 free hours of free childcare is looming.
Eligible families have been urged to take advantage of the scheme, with applications now open to working parents with children who will be at least nine-months-old on or before March 31.
The government extended its funded early education scheme to allow more working parents to access 15 hours of complimentary childcare.
However parents receiving Universal Credit could double their childcare entitlement to 30-hours when their child turns three or four.
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Those who require a funded spot from April have until March 31 to apply for a code, the Mirror reports.
Codes must also be renewed every three months, with a failure to do so requiring a reapplication to the scheme.
Reconfirmation dates should be visible in people’s childcare accounts.
There is no cap on the number of codes available, however childcare facilities do have a limit on the number of children they can accommodate at the setting.
Families were urged to contact their preferred provider as soon as possible to secure a spot and verify when codes were required.
Free childcare entitlement in England was determined by several factors, including a child’s age, whether parents were employed or in receipt of benefits, their income, and immigration status.
Most families can apply online, with the exception of foster carers.
It can take up to seven days to determine eligibility, but once approved, codes will be provided.
Those having difficulty finding government-funded childcare in their area, may be able to get assistance from their local authority.
Although the childcare is free, providers can still charge for optional extras such as lunches, nappies, and trips.
However, the government has stated these additional charges “must not be mandatory”.
Families should be able to discuss alternative options with childcare providers.
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