Who is eligible?
Your 2 year old child will be eligible for a funded ELC place, if you are in receipt of one of these benefits:
- Income Support (IS)
- Job Seeker's Allowance (income based)
- Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance
- State pension Credit
- Universal credit - where household earned income is £850 or less per month* (Income threshold varies annually)
- Support is under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A two year old funded ELC placement is available to children who are care experienced, or have a parent with experience of care:
- A child who is or has been:
- looked after by a local council (care experienced)
- the subject of a kinship care order
- with a parent-appointed guardian
- A parent who has experience of care
When could they start?
For eligible children, this is based upon which month they turn two in:
- 1 March - day before August term = August term
- First day of August term - 31 December = January term
- 1 January - End of February = Easter term
How do I apply?
When your child has turned two, please contact Early Years (01369 708503 or earlyyears@argyll-bute.gov.uk) to request an application pack. Please read this carefully for guidance on providing the correct 3 supporting documents.
To submit an application you will require:
- a copy of your child's birth certificate (do not send us originals)
- evidence for why you are eligible
- a proof of address letter (dated within 3 months) with your name on. If you are applying using a universal credit statement or benefits letter as evidence, this will meet the proof of address requirement also.
What would they be entitled to?
A full time funded Early Learning & Childcare placement (1140 hours per academic year), at an ELC setting that can provide this for 2 year olds. The 'Funded ELC for 2 Year Olds' filter on our Childcare Provider search shows these types of ELC setting.
These hours can also be used at an appropriate ELC setting located in an area different to the one you live in:
- If you live in Argyll & Bute but would like your child to attend an ELC setting in another local authority area, please make your application to us.
- If you live in another local authority area but would like your child to attend an Argyll & Bute ELC setting, please apply according to your own local authority areas process.
