Childcare for fostered children

In certain circumstances foster carers will be able to receive 30 hours of free childcare. Working parents of 3- and 4-year olds in England may be entitled to this childcare for 38 weeks of the year (or fewer hours over more weeks). This is made up of an additional 15 hours of childcare on top of the 15 hours universal entitlement for all 3- and 4-year olds in England.

Children in foster care who are aged 3 or 4 years old will be able to receive 30 hours free childcare, if the following criteria are met:

• accessing the extended hours is consistent with the child’s care plan; and
• where there is a single foster parent family, the foster parent is engaging in paid work outside their role as a foster parent; or
• where there are two foster parents in the same fostering household, both are engaging in paid work outside their role as a foster parent
• where there are two foster parents in the same fostering household, one engaging in paid work outside their role as a foster parent and one having carer responsibilities or being unable to work and in receipt of qualifying benefits
• if one partner is not a foster parent then they must be in qualifying paid work and meet the normal income requirements for 30 hours

There are some useful documents below, which include more information:

• How to apply for 30 hours as a Foster parent
• Standard Application Form - 30 hours free childcare for foster children