Paying for Childcare
We understand that the rising cost of living is affecting many working parents and carers across the UK. If you’re struggling to make ends meet click on the following links for guidance on financial support that may be available to you.
Cost of Living Support for Families - Working Families
Thousands of parents are entitled to funded childcare to support them to return to work after parental leave. Depending on the age of your child, you may be able to access between 15 and 30 hours funded childcare a week.
Funded childcare
Children aged three and four
All parents of children aged three to four can access 15 hours of funded childcare, the term after they turn 3 years old. It doesn't matter how much you earn or how many hours you work.There is no application process for this.Parents and Carers should seek a place directly with their chosen provider.
Additional 15 hours for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds.
Most working parents or carers of children aged three to four in England are currently entitled to an additional 15 hours funded childcare a week meaning that they can access a total of 30 hours.
The childcare provider must be approved – so informal providers such as grandparents don’t count – and the funding ends when your child starts reception class.
Eligibility depends on whether you’re working, your income, your child’s age and circumstances and your immigration status.
Full details about eligibility requirements can be found at: 30 hours free childcare - GOV.UK.
Your hours can be used per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time). You may be able use your hours for up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
Funding for 2 Year olds
15 hours childcare for families in reciept of other government funding:
Some parents or carers of two-year-olds can access 15 hours a week of funded childcare if they are in receipt of income support benefits, such as Universal Credit, and earn less than £15,400 a year. To check elligibility and how to apply please follow this link:
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Funding for 2 Year olds of working parents/carers
From April 2024, most working parents/carers of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of funded childcare, the term after they turn two. Funding is for 38 weeksper year, however providers may offer a stretched entitlment meaning that children can attend all year round but for less hours per week. Parents/carers can check elligibility and apply here:
Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Coming soon.......
From September 2024, 15 hours of funded childcare will be extended to all children from the age of 9 months.
From September 2025, working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare a week.
Like the existing offer, depending on your provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year (during school term time), or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total hours per week.
Follow the link to Find out if you are eligible.