Free Early Learning for two-year-olds
Have you applied for April/Summer Term 2023 Start?
Don't miss out. Watch the Free for 2s video to see two-year-olds learning through fun and play. See if your child is eligible by applying below!
Free for 2s videos
Watch our Free for 2s videos to see what a typical learning and fun day is like for a two year-old!
Act now - places are limited
With Haringey’s Free for 2s, some two-year-olds can have a free early learning place in a nursery, children’s centre, playgroup or childminder, for up to 15 hours a week. Early learning is good for children’s social, physical and mental development and also helps them to prepare for school – giving your child the best start in life.
Please note: you can apply once your child is 1 year and 6 months old - however, they cannot start until the term after their second birthday. You can apply straight away if you have already missed the term your child could have started. See when can my child start below.
We will let you know within ten to fifteen working days of receiving your application whether your child can have a free place. We might ask you for more information, if necessary.
Click here for our guide on how to complete the web form (PDF, 660KB)
If you need help in completing your online form, visit your nearest Children’s centre - they will be happy to help!
How does Free for 2s work?
With Free for 2s, your child’s place of 15 hours per week will be completely free of charge to you – all money is paid directly from the council to the person or provider where your child has a place.
Providers are not allowed to charge you a registration fee or a deposit, or ask you to pay for uniforms, lunches or similar as a condition of your child taking up a place.
We recommend that you speak to your chosen childcare provider about the hours that they can offer you.
If you want a place for your child for more than 15 hours, you will need to ask your provider and pay for any extra hours yourself.
Even if your circumstances change while your child has a place, your child will not lose their free place.
Please note that your benefits are not affected as this is an additional support.
How do I know if my child can have a free place?
Lots of two-year-olds in Haringey are entitled to a free early learning place.
View the full eligibility criteria on GOV.UK (external link).
What if my child cannot have a free place?
If you do not meet the criteria for a Free for 2s place, there are other options available.
You can find out what help you can get with childcare costs on the government's Childcare Choices website (external link)
Where can my child have a place?
Our easy search helps you find Haringey’s Free for 2s childcare providers. You can also choose the area and type of provider you are looking for.
You’ll need to give the provider the letter or email we sent you saying you can have a free place. You can also use your eligibility letter in the borough of your choice - just check with the childcare provider that they are a registered free early learning provider for that borough.
The places in Haringey which offer free early learning include:
- Children’s centres
- Childminders
- Nurseries
- Nursery classes in primary schools
- Playgroups and preschools
- Independent schools
You can find out more about different types of childcare providers on our childcare options page.
How do I choose a provider?
You may find it helpful to visit some providers, to help you decide where is best for your child. Recommendations from other parents can be helpful, but remember that each child is different, and what suits someone else’s child may not be right for yours.
All registered childcare providers are inspected every few years by Ofsted, who assess how well they are doing. You can see all the reports on the Ofsted website (external link), or you can ask the provider to show you their most recent report.
- See the Family and Childcare Trust website (external link) for a guide on what to look for in a provider
If you need help finding a childcare place visit your nearest Children’s centre or you can call the council on 020 8489 1000.
When can my child start?
If your child is eligible for Free for 2s, they can start the term after their second birthday - see the table below:
| If your child turns two between: | Your child can start from: |
|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | 1 January (Spring term) |
| 1 January to 31 March | 1 April (Summer term) |
| 1 April to 31 August | 1 September (Autumn term) |
Or you can use our ready reckoner, which works out the start date for you:
Please note: you can apply once your child is 1 year and 6 months old - however, they cannot start until the term after their second birthday - see table above. You can apply straight away if you have already missed the term your child could have started.
Further information
If you have any questions or would like any more information about free early learning you can contact us:
- By email: earlyeducation@haringey.gov.uk
- By phone: 020 8489 1000
- In person: drop into your nearest children’s centre or local customer service centre
You can find out what help you can get with childcare costs on the government's Childcare Choices website (external link)