THREAD - childcare for people subject to immigration control

Many of those who are most in need are not aware that their children are eligible for free nursery places. Find out more

We recently supported a young woman who is in Greater Manchester alone with two children. She’s supported by the local council, and until recently was living in a small hotel room with her children.

She has no recourse to public funds as a condition on her immigration status.

But our social worker Maria told her that her older daughter, who is 2, is still entitled to 15 hours per week of free childcare.

We understand there has been very little take-up of this provision. We think that people may not know about it.

People with no recourse to public funds may be misinformed about what public funds are. Childcare and statutory childcare support are not public funds.

You are entitled to 15 hours a week free childcare for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, if:

You are seeking asylum in the UK and are being supported by your local authority while waiting for a decision (section 95)
You have had your asylum claim rejected (section 4) (contd)

You have a no recourse to public funds condition on your visa and earn less than £15,400 after tax.

There's more information about eligibility here:

http://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/information-and-resources/rights-and-entitlements/services-for-children-and-families/early-education-and-childcare/overview#guide-sections

The mother we're supporting was thrilled to find out her daughter could go to nursery.

Maria said, "She’s a bright chatty girl who would flourish in a nursery environment and really benefit, especially in the current pandemic, from the contact with other children."

"It’ll bring huge benefits to both mother and daughter in terms of the child’s development and wellbeing and also provide some structure to the week and prepare the young girl for school.

The impact on the mum’s wellbeing will be significant."

Please share/RT to raise awareness of this provision that might provide the same help to so many.

Our blog post on the topic: http://gmiau.org/childcare-support-blog/