Families Information Service
We provide information, advice and guidance to families across Cambridgeshire. We manage the Cambridgeshire Childcare Directory and offer one-to-one support for families with children and young people aged 0 to 25. Our advice is free, confidential and impartial.
We can help with:
- finding childcare
- understanding childcare funding options
- childcare for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and the SEND Local Offer
Contacting the Families Information Service
Email: fis@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Tel: 0345 045 1360
Funding options
15 Funded hours for eligible 2 year olds
Children in families with a low income or in receipt of certain benefits are entitled to 15 funded hours of free childcare or early years education
- The funded hours are up to 570 hours a year.
- This is 15 hours over 38 weeks or fewer hours per week for more weeks in the year.
- This can be taken at registered settings or childcare providers or cross more than one setting.
Apply for Education Welfare Benefits or find out more on funded hours for eligible 2 year olds.
15 Funded hours for all 3 and 4 year olds
All children aged 3 and 4 are able to access 15 funded hours of free childcare or early years education.
- The funded hours are up to 570 hours a year.
- This is 15 hours over 38 weeks or fewer hours per week for more weeks in the year.
- This can be taken at registered settings or childcare providers or across more than one setting.
Find out more on funded hours for all 3 and 4 year olds
Extended Entitlement for some 3 and 4 year olds (an additional 15 funded hours per week)
Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of funded childcare or early years education.
- The funded hours are up to 570 hours a year.
- This is 15 hours over 38 weeks or fewer hours per week for more weeks in the year.
- This can be taken at registered settings or childcare providers or across more than one setting.
- There is an eligibility criteria and it is essential that parents reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.
Find out more on Extended Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds
Tax-Free Childcare for 0-11 year olds
Tax-free childcare is for working parents of children from 0 -11 years old (0 -16 years old for disabled children).
- For every £8 paid into an account, the Government will add £2 (£4 for a disabled child), up to £2,000 per year per child (£4,000 for disabled children).
- Parents pay the childcare provider from their account.
Find out more on Tax-Free Childcare for 0-11 year olds
Early Years Pupil Premium
Some children receiving funded hours and are in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for additional funding. This funding is 60p per hour and paid directly to the early education provider to improve outcomes for these children.
Find out more on Early Years Pupil Premium
