The Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP)
This programme aims to meet the current needs of families living in London and reduce child poverty. High childcare costs, coupled with the high costs of housing can create barriers, stopping parents entering employment or training.
CAP provides low-income parents access to flexible quality childcare. It enables those parents to remain in, or return to, full or part-time work or to train to improve their work skills and employment prospects. Each applicant is assessed agains the CAP 1 or CAP 2 criteria. Successful applicant's childcare costs are either subsidised or paid in full to the childcare provider.
Funded by London Development Agency (LDA) and (Surestart unit) DCSF this programme will run till end of 2008.
For more information download the CAP leaflet (1.28MB, PDF file)
Free Early Education Grant for 3 to 4 year olds
What is Free Early Education?
The government has guaranteed a free part time early education place for all three and four year olds. The early education place can be in a;
- Nursery class in a state primary school
- Preschool
- Day nursery
- Independent school
- Children Centre
- An accredited childminder
The Family Information Service can provide you with the above lists. Contact us using the details below.
How much is the grant?
The grant provides five sessions of two and half hours per week free. The funding is £533 per term a total of £1599 per annum.
When can I claim the grant?
You can claim the term after your child reaches three years old. The government provides the funding and the council pays it to the childcare provider. You will receive the forms for the grant from the childcare provider. Funding for places is agreed early at the beginning of each term.
The following dates show which term your child can start receiving the funding.
| Term | Dates | Child born between |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 08 | 1 September-31 December 08 | 1 September 03 - 31 August 05 |
| Spring 09 | 1 January-31 March 09 | 1 January 04 - 31 December 05 |
For more information download the Free early education grant flyer (604KB, PDF file)
Some of these documents are produced in PDF format. To view them you may need to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Contact us
Waltham Forest Family Information Service
PO Box 416
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow, E17 5SD
Tel 020 8496 3000
Fax 020 8496 3599
