Parents and carers – including foster carers, from September – across Thurrock might be eligible to receive 30 hours free childcare this autumn as the deadline for applications approaches.

Some 3 and 4 year-old children may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of childcare, making a total of 30 hours per week term time.

For families to be eligible, each parent must be working and expect to earn more than the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage for their age each week, but under £100,000 per year each. The full eligibility criteria is online at thurrock.gov.uk/childcare. Eligibility for children in foster care is slightly different; please talk to your supervising social worker for more details.

The deadline for applications closes at the end of each school term – the closing date to receive funding for the autumn term is Friday August 31.

James Halden, councillor for education and health, said: "30 hours childcare is a fantastic resource to support working families with young children. Providing the parent or parents in the family meet the minimum requirements they can apply for funding.

"Not only does it help families out, but it also helps to further educate our children as they make friends, learn new things and help to get prepared for school."

For more information on free early education for 2, 3 and 4 year-olds, and to find out if your child is eligible, go to thurrock.gov.uk/childcare