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
- 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:
- 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
Working Parent Funding
The 30 hours funding offer starts the term after your child turns nine months old and will continue, as long as you remain eligible, until they start school.
Two Year old Funding
The 15 hours funding starts the term after your child turns two years old.
Three / Four Year old Funding
The 15 hours funding starts the term after your child turns three years old.
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.