There is a range of Government support available to help with the cost of childcare. The eligibility of schemes depends upon your personal circumstances and family income but broadly fall into the following categories:
The Chancellor has recently announced significant changes to childcare funding in the Budget:
- Free childcare will be available for families with children nine months or older in England.
- 15 hours of free childcare for working parents of 2-year-olds will come into effect in April 2024 and 15 hours of free childcare for working parents of 9 months – 3 years old will be implemented in September 2024.
- 30 hours a week of free childcare for working parents of children under 5 will be implemented from September 2025.
- Childcare support for families on Universal Credit will be paid upfront rather than in arrears when parents move into employment or increase their working hours.
To check what help and support you may be eligible for, please visit Child Care Choices - www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
