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Extension of eligibility for free early education for 2-year-olds with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

The DfE has recently consulted on extending the eligibility criteria for the entitlement to 15 hours a week free early education for disadvantaged 2-year-olds to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

The department has now published the consultation response which can be found here. This confirms that the additional groups that have been identified for the entitlement are:

  1. those with a UK ancestry visa
  2. those with temporary protection status under Section 12 of the Nationality and Borders Act; and
  3. those with pre-settled status with no qualifying right to reside.

From 1 September, the department will be extending the eligibility for the 2-year-old early education entitlement to children from all families with NRPF, subject to the maximum income thresholds as follows:

  • £26,500 for families outside of London with one child.
  • £34,500 for families within London with one child.
  • £30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children.
  • £38,600 for families within London with two or more children.
  • A maximum capital threshold of £16,000 in all areas.

The department has now published guidance and an example application form for local authorities in processing applications for the free entitlement from families with NRPF.