Dorset Council are encouraging parents of 3 and 4 year olds to apply for up to 30 hours of free childcare starting from January.
All parents of 3 and 4 year olds can get up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for 38 weeks of the year.
Working parents an claim a further 15 hours a week if they meet the criteria, which takes factors like income, nationality and circumstances into consideration. You would receive 1,140 hours per year, which you can choose how you take.
The funding can be used at a number of registered or approved childcare providers, but does not cover nappies, trips, lunch or music lessons.
The deadline is December 31st if your child is eligible to start on January 1st. If you miss the deadline, you’ll be able to apply for the next term, which starts on April 1st.
If you already receive free childcare, you are required to reconfirm your eligibility before the end of December.
To take advantage of the scheme, click here.