Funding for children in foster care

Children in foster care are able to receive 30 hours free childcare if the following criteria are met:

• that accessing the extended hours is consistent with the child’s care plan. This places the child at the centre of the process and decision making, and either
  • in single parent foster families, the foster parent engages in paid work outside their role as a foster parent
• or
  • in two parent foster families, both partners engage in paid work outside their role as a foster parent. If one partner is not a foster parent, then they must be:
    • in qualifying paid work, and
    • earn a minimum of the equivalent to 16 hours at national minimum / national living wage

• the start the term after the child turns 3 years
• the date you receive your eligibility code from us - whichever date is later

We recommend that you apply in good time, so that you receive your code the term before your child becomes eligible.

You can apply up to 16 weeks before your foster child turns three.

You can apply by contacting the Nursery Funding Team at:

• Email: nurseryfunding@cornwall.gov.uk
• Tel: 01872 324105

Funding for childcare for your child starts the term after their birthday

These are the general term dates of when your child will be eligible for their 2 or 3 / 4 year funding.

Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ your funding over the whole year by reducing your weekly hours. You can use this funding with one or more registered settings.