How to Apply

If you're applying for the first time, you will need to create an account first, using the 'Create Account' button, and verify your email address before you can submit your application.

If you have used the Parent Portal before, you can log back into your account to view the outcome of a previous application(s) or to submit a new application(s).

Before applying please read the guidance below

Early learning places for 2 year olds

As a parent or carer of a child, you can use this portal to see if your child may be entitled to a funded childcare place for up to 15 hours per week. You may be eligible if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • Universal Credit - if you and your partner are on a low income from work (this usually means a combined income of less than £15,400 a year after tax)
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance (if you are unable to work due to illness or disability)
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension
  • Child Tax Credit and your household income (as assessed by HMRC) ofless than than £16,190 per year
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Working Tax Credit with a household income (asassessed by HMRC) of less than £16,190 per year

Or your child:

  • Receives Disability Living Allowance
  • Has a current statement of special educational need or an Education, Health and Care plan
  • Is looked after by the local authority
  • Has left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order

If you are a two parent family please ensure the parent/carer who meets the eligibility criteria above completes this application.

To begin using the portal, create an account using the ‘Create Account’ link at the top of this page. If you have already created an account, please use the ‘Log In’ link provided.

If you meet the following criteria then you may be eligible for funded early education and childcare for two year olds, however, you cannot apply through the Redbridge Parent Portal online and must complete an application form, click here for more details:

  • Children of Zambrano Carers
  • Children of families with no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
  • Children of a subset of failed asylum seekers (supported under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - 'the 1999 Act')

Further Information

Once you have completed an EY Application you will receive an email confirming the outcome of your application.

If you need further assistance on Two Year Old funding please contact the FiND Helpline on 020 8708 6220 or email find@redbridge.gov.uk.

Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal. However, if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and you receive one of the listed qualifying benefits, you should make an application for free school meals as the school your child attends will receive extra funding.  This extra funding should benefit your child's education through additional support provided at the school.

If your child is in Year 3 or above, and you receive one of the listed qualifying benefits, you should make an application for free school meals.


Qualifying benefits for free school meals

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) - Working Tax Credit is a disqualifying benefit regardless of your household income - this means that you would not be entitled to Free School Meals whilst in receipt of Working Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
  • Received free school meal benefit at any point since April 2018 for the child you are applying for (details of previous school and borough)

Young benefit claimants application for free school meals

Children who receive Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.

Further Information

The information provided allows for an automated check via the Eligibility Checking Service, if the result is inconclusive then we will email you to request proof of benefit.

If your child is entitled, we will email you and the school to inform you of the start date entitlement.

All communication regarding Free School Meals is via email only.

Using a tablet/smartphone? Access the menu items including the 'Create Account' and 'Login' links using the menu in the top right hand corner.