The consultation sets out the suggested eligibility criteria for the second phase of the scheme, which will be extended to 40 per cent of two-year-olds from September 2014.
The DfE is proposing that, in addition to families on low-incomes, two-year-olds should also be entitled to a free nursery place if they have special educational needs or a disability, or if they have been in care and been adopted.
Currently in the first phase of the scheme, local authorities will apply the same eligibility criteria as that used for school-age children's access to free school meals, which is based on whether families are on benefits or have a household income of less than £16,190 a year and do not receive Working Tax Credits. Children in care will also be entitled to places.
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