Help with childcare costs

If you need help to cover the cost of childcare, you will find more information about some of the options available on these pages.  

You can also use the government’s childcare calculator to see what you might be entitled to.

If your child is aged two, three or four you might be able to get free early education and childcare. How much you get, depends on the age of your child and your circumstances.

Changes to free early education and childcare

From 2024 the free entitlements to early education and childcare will be changing. The new entitlements are being introduced in stages as follows:

• April 2024 eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of childcare for the equivalent of 38 weeks a year
• September 2024 eligible working parents of babies 9months+ will be able to access 15 hours of childcare for the equivalent of 38 weeks a year
• September 2025 eligible working parents of babies 9months+ to primary school age will be able to access 30 hours of childcare for the equivalent of 38 weeks a year.

The definition of working families and the application process is still to be confirmed. Early years settings/childcare providers in the borough are in the process of making decisions about delivering these entitlements. These pages will be updated as more information is available.

Tax-free childcare is a government scheme to help working families with their childcare costs. 

You could get Tax-Free Childcare if you and your partner:

• aren't receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
• have overall earnings less than £100k each a year
• earn the equivalent to 16 hours at National Minimum Wage or Living Wage.
  In 2021 this equates to:
  • £104.96 per week for each working parent between 18-20 years old
  • £133.76 per week for each working parent between 21-24 years old
  • £142.56 per week for each working parent over 23 years old
• have children aged under 12, or under 17 if they have a disability.

If you are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, the government will pay £2 for every £8 you pay your childcare provider. This is paid via an online childcare account that you set up for your child.

You can get up to £2,000 per child, per year, or up to £4,000 a year for disabled children.

Working Tax Credit is available to help with childcare costs while you work. 

The basic amount you can receive is up to £2,005 a year, plus an extra amount that is dependent on things like your circumstances and income.

You can only make a claim for Working Tax Credit if you already get Child Tax Credit.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment you may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

How much Universal Credit you can get will depend on your earnings and circumstances.