Free childcare can be claimed in Derbyshire

Up to 15 hours of free childcare a week is available to families on low incomes or on certain benefits who have a child aged two. But some of the money has not been claimed.

To encourage families to take up the offer, Derbyshire County Council has launched on online checker so they can find out more easily if they qualify.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Kevin Gillott, is urging anyone who thinks they might be entitled to go online to find out at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/freechildcare.

He said: “Helping children get the best start in life is one of our priorities. “We offer all three-year-olds in the county free childcare, but there’s extra funding available to help some families with younger children. This includes families on low incomes, families who have adopted or fostered a child or those getting disability living allowance for their toddler. Good quality childcare in the early years can really help families,”

“It could also help people get back into work or reduce childcare bills for working families on low pay.”

Fill in the online checker to find out if you are eligible at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/freechildcare or call the team on 01629 539316/7.