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<p>The government's early education funding is intended to deliver 15 or 30 hours
a week (for 38 weeks of the year) of free, high quality, flexible childcare for eligible
2, 3 and 4-year-olds. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables,
additional hours or additional services.</p><p> </p><p>However, pupils attending a
local authority maintained, academy or free school nursery are entitled to free school
meals: as long as they are either in full-time education or receive education both
before and after lunch and meet the benefits-based free school meal eligibility criteria.
Pupils attending a private nursery or pre-school are not entitled to free school meals.</p><p>
</p><p>The government also provides help with up to 70% of childcare costs for people
on low incomes through working tax credits, which in April 2016 increased to 85% through
Universal Credit.</p>
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