Early learning and childcare - 2 year old eligibility - income threshold change June 2021: EQIA

Background

Funded ELC for 2 year olds

We estimate that around 14,500^[2] 2 year olds meet the eligibility criteria for the 2 year old offer. The criteria are based on evidence that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, can particularly benefit in terms of social, emotional and educational outcomes from attending high quality ELC. The criteria are that the child:

• Is care experienced themselves (currently 'looked after', subject to a kinship care or guardianship order)
• Has a care experienced parent
• Or if they have a parent in receipt of a 'qualifying benefit' which are as follows':^[3]
• Income Support
• Job Seeker's Allowance (income based)
• any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity or Severe Disablement Allowance
• State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit with annual income of £16,480 or less
• both maximum Child Tax Credit and maximum Working Tax Credit and income of £7,320 or less
• support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Universal Credit with household take-home pay of £610 a month or less (equivalent to £7,320 annual income)

We estimate that over 90% of eligible 2 year olds meet criteria relating to their parent receiving a qualifying benefit.