30 Hour funding – check if you are eligible

Dear Parents,
You are now able to go online to check your eligibility for 30 hours free childcare and to open your tax-free childcare account.  You can do this by following the link below:
www.childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/par/app/applynow  
You can open a tax-free childcare account for children between the ages of 0 to 11, or if your child has a disability, up to 18.  We advise that you make your application for 30 hours childcare the term before your child is 3 to ensure that you have enough time to secure a place if you are eligible.  Your child must be at least 2 years and 39 weeks old to use the eligibility checker however.
Please note that due to the announcement that there will be a general election in June the application process for both the 30 hours and the tax-free childcare account has been amended slightly.  All parents will need to click on ‘No’ when asked, ‘Were you invited to use this service?’
You can use the above link to make your application for both 30 hours free childcare and to open your tax-free childcare account.  Please be aware that by opening a tax-free childcare account your child tax credits may be affected and you may stop receiving them.  As you proceed through your application you will be able to choose which elements you would like to apply for and can opt out of the tax-free childcare account if you do not wish to open one.
If you have any queries about the application process please contact Nicola White, 30 Hour Project Officer, Cheshire West and Chester on 01244 977746.
At Acton Bridge Pre-school we are currently planning to accept the extended entitlement to 30 hour funding for eligible families but will not be able to provide the full 30 hours. We currently plan to continue with the status quo – 6 sessions running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday 9am-12pm and 12pm-3pm – amounting to 18 hours. Families wishing to take up the full 30 hours will be able to share the entitlement between Acton Bridge and other providers.