15 & 30 Hours Free Childcare

Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds – Time 2 Start Code

At Goldsmith Primary Academy, we are proud to support Walsall’s Time 2 Start programme, which offers 15 hours of free childcare per week (term time only) for eligible 2-year-olds.

Who Can Get It?

Your child may be eligible if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment Support Allowance

• Universal Credit (with household income of £15,400 or less after tax)

• Tax Credits (with household income of £16,190 or less before tax)

• Guaranteed Pension Credit

• Working Tax Credit 4-week run-on

Your child may also qualify if they:

• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

• Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• Are in care, adopted, or under a special guardianship or residency order

Non-UK Citizens

If you are not eligible for public funds, you may still qualify if:

• You live in England

• Your household income is below £26,500 (1 child) or £30,600 (2+ children)

• You have less than £16,000 in savings/assets

How to Apply

1. Visit the Walsall Family Hubs website to check eligibility and complete the application:
   👉 Apply for Time 2 Start

2. If eligible, you’ll receive a confirmation code to share with us.

3. Need help? Call Walsall Families Information Service on 01922 653383.

We are pleased to offer 15 hours of free Nursery education for all eligible three and four-year-old children through the Government's Universal 15 Hours Free Childcare scheme.

All children become eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week from the term after their third birthday. No application or eligibility code is required to access this funding, as it is available to all families.

At our Nursery, we do not charge for children attending their funded sessions. Your child's place is fully funded through the Universal 15 Hours Free Childcare scheme, providing a fantastic opportunity for them to learn, play, and develop in a nurturing and stimulating environment.

We are proud to also offer the 30-hour funded childcare provision as part of our Preschool offer, supporting eligible working families in our community.

For more information about the Universal 15 Hours Free Childcare offer, please visit the official GOV.UK guidance: 15 hours free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds.

30-Hour Funded Childcare at Goldsmith Primary Academy

We are proud to also offer the 30-hour funded childcare provision as part of our Preschool offer, supporting eligible working families in our community.

What Is the 30-Hour Offer?

Eligible working families can receive 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time for children aged 2, 3 and 4 (subject to eligibility). This consists of the universal 15 hours available to all 3 and 4-year-olds, plus an additional 15 hours through the extended entitlement for eligible working families.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

• You (and your partner, if applicable) are working and each earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at minimum wage

• Your individual annual income is below £100,000

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official government website:
👉 30 Hours Free Childcare – gov.uk

When can I use the hours from? 

You can start using your hours the term after your child turns the relevant age (ie. from the age of 2 or 3).

When do I need to apply?

The deadline is the day before the new term begins, however we encourage you to apply earlier, and recommend applying at least 6 weeks before the deadline. 

Important: If you miss the deadline, your child will not be able to start using their funded hours until the following term.

• You must apply and receive your 30-hour eligibility code before 31st August 2026 to start in September.

• You will need to renew your code every 3 months to remain eligible.

Once you receive your code, please share it with our school office along with your National Insurance number, so we can validate your child’s place.