Childcare
2gether - funded childcare for 2 year olds
What is 2gether?
Devon is part of a national scheme to offer flexible, free childcare places for two year olds living in households with low-incomes. The scheme is designed to improve your child’s learning, and support you to be able to get training or a job.
If your family is eligible you can access a free childcare place and a range of other support including learning with your child, parenting support and training courses.
From 1 April 2012 all Devon children's centres will be taking part in the scheme.
Who can be part of 2gether?
You can be part of the scheme if one parent is receiving one of these benefits:
- Income Support
- Income Based Job seeker's Allowance
- Child Tax Credit at the higher rate
- Extra Working Tax Credit relating to disability
- Pension Credit.
Please note that additional criteria may be used to assess eligibility. Contact your local children's centre for more details.
What do I need to do next?
Pick up a form from your local children’s centre where someone will be able to help you to complete it.
A children’s centre worker will then contact you to discuss the 2gether scheme. If you are eligible, the children’s centre worker will meet with you to identify what additional support your child and family could access through the 2gether scheme. If you are not eligible, the children’s centre will help you look at other funding options and give you information on registered childcare, local activities and support services.
How do I get the free childcare?
You could be eligible to receive funding for up to 15 hours of childcare a week. You can complete an application form before your child is two years old, but the childcare will not start until the term after your child’s second birthday. You must choose a childcare provider from the approved provider list and the funding will be paid directly to the provider.
When can my child access the free childcare?
| Child born between | Entitled from |
| 1 April and 31 August | start of the autumn term after their second birthday until the end of the following summer term |
| 1 September and 31 December | start of the spring term after their second birthday until the end of the following autumn term |
| 1 January and 31 March | start of the summer term after their second birthday until the end of the following spring term |
Most children will stay in the 2gether scheme until they go on to the Early Years Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.
For more information contact your local children’s centre. If you don’t know where it is look at www.devon.gov.uk/disc-childrenscentres or call 0845 155 1013.
