Help with childcare costs

Funded Childcare

Parents may be able to save money on childcare:

  • 30 hours childcare for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 4 years
  • Early learning for 2 year olds - 15 hours for families who get extra support.
  • 15 hours of childcare for all families with children aged 3 to 4 years

Other ways to get help

You could get help with money for childcare through:

  • Tax-Free Childcare – for children aged 0 to 11 (or up to 16 if disabled).
    For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2.
  • Tax Credits – for children under 16.
    You could get help with up to 70% of your childcare costs.
  • Universal Credit – for children under 17.
    You could get help with up to 85% of your childcare costs.

More information on help with childcare costs and how to apply can be found on the government website Best Start in Life.

Help while you study

If you’re learning, you might get:

  • Care to Learn – for parents under 20 in school or sixth form
  • Discretionary Learner Support – for parents aged 19+ doing NVQs, BTECs or PGCEs
  • Childcare Grant – for university students with children under 15 (or under 17 if they have special needs)

Benefits of childcare

Frequently asked questions

View our frequently asked questions.