More than 1,000 Powys families with young children could be missing out on free or reduced-cost childcare, according to the county council.

Using data analytics, the council has identified households that may be entitled to support and will be writing to them in the coming weeks to encourage them to check their eligibility.

The authority estimates that 48 households with children aged three to four, 150 with two-year-olds, and 218 with children aged between 18 months and two years are currently not claiming help they may be entitled to.

If eligible, parents could cut the cost of childcare or increase their household income by taking on more working hours.

Cllr Sandra Davies, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Generations, said: “We know that finding the right help with childcare costs can be confusing, so we hope these letters will provide some clarity for Powys parents.

“We are encouraging all Powys parents and guardians to check if they are eligible – you might be pleasantly surprised by what is available!”

The letter from the council explains what childcare costs support is available in Powys, and offers to help with applications, if needed.

• Parents and guardians can check their postcode to see if they live in a Flying Start area, which could make them eligible for 12-and-a-half hours of free childcare a week, for two to three-year-olds, for 39-weeks-a-year: https://en.powys.gov.uk/flyingstart

• Working parents and guardians, with children aged three to four, could be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare and early education, for 48-weeks-a-year: https://www.gov.wales/get-30-hours-childcare-3-and-4-year-olds

• Parents and guardians, with children aged 11-or-under, could be eligible for tax-free childcare, worth up to £2,000-a-year for each child (or up to £4,000-a-year if a child is disabled): https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

In addition, the council believes 331 households with 768 children are missing out on the Healthy Start scheme, which provides vouchers for healthy food and milk to expectant mothers and children under four.

The move follows Powys County Council’s investment in Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) software to help identify residents who may need support. In recent months, the system has been used to contact households potentially eligible for Personal Independence Payments and those struggling with rising household bills.

Parents who need help applying for childcare support can contact the Powys Family Information Service on 01874 612419 or email [email protected]

Free and confidential money advice is also available through the council.