Monika J
I was so happy to start a new job but I struggled to find affordable childcare for my 4-year old. It was such a relief to learn that I could get 15 hours of free childcare each week while I worked part-time for a year.
You are currently offline
Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Help with childcare' and 'Other financial support'.
Key information
1. All parents of 3-4 year olds receive 15 hours of government-funded childcare each week
This equates to 570 hours per year! It can be used flexibly with one or more approved childcare providers.
- People who receive certain types of ‘benefits’ may get additional free childcare hours - 15 hours per week for 2 year olds, and 30 hours per week for 3-4 year olds
- There is no free childcare available to children under 2 years
2. Some people get additional financial support towards the costs of raising a child
The amount they receive depends on how much they earn, where they live, and the age of their child:
- ‘Tax-free childcare’ scheme - for every £8 paid into a central account for childcare, the government adds an extra £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year)
- Other types of ‘benefits’ - tax credits or universal credit
- ‘Healthy Start’ vouchers for food and free vitamins
3. You may receive ‘maternity pay and leave’ to take time off before and after your baby is born
Speak to your employer to learn more:
- ‘Maternity leave’ - as an employee, you’re entitled to a year of ‘Statutory Maternity Leave’, no matter how long you’ve been in your job
- ‘Maternity pay’ - the pay you will receive while you’re on maternity leave depends on how much you earn and how long you’ve worked for your employer
4. You may receive ‘paternity pay and leave’ to support your partner and new arrival
Speak to your employer to learn more:
- ‘Paternity leave’ - as an employee, you’re entitled to either one or two weeks of paid leave. Some people share parental leave with their partner.
- ‘Paternity pay’ - the pay you will receive while you’re on paternity leave depends on how much you earn and how long you’ve worked for your employer
5. Register with a local Children’s Centre to get information, support and advice
Children’s centres bring together a range of services for children under five and their families. You will need to register with them by completing a form:
- If you are not confident in English - ask someone to help by completing it online here
- You will need to provide details about your children and any additional needs to ensure you get the best support
Help with childcare
What are my childcare options?
You need to pay for most childcare options, but some people can get government support to help with the costs. Every child living in England aged 5-16 years must attend a full-time school, so here we focus on the options for a child under 5 years.
- Contact each institution directly to enrol your child - do this early as waiting lists can be long!
From a few months of age
-
‘Day nursery’
A centre that looks after children between Monday and Friday, and offers half-day and full-day care
- Age - 6 weeks to 5 years
- Cost - the average UK cost for full-time care (50 hours per week) is £240
- Help with costs - free childcare hours for all 3-4 year olds, and further options for parents who receive a low income (read more below)
-
Registered childminder, babysitter or nanny
A professional who takes care of children in your home. They usually look after a child of any age and offer flexible hours
- Age - 0 to 8+ years
- Cost - the average UK cost for full-time care (50 hours per week) is £250-450
- Help with costs - free childcare hours for all 3-4 year olds. Further options for parents who receive a low income if the childminder or nanny is registered (read more below)
From 2 years of age
-
‘Playgroup’ or ‘preschool’
Community or charity-run sessions that normally offer half-day sessions in the morning or afternoon during the school term
- Age - 3 to 5 years
- Cost - £5 to £10 per 3-hour session
- Help with costs - free childcare hours for all 3-4 year olds, and further options for parents who receive a low income (read more below)
-
Children’s Centre
A centre that offers a range of services for children under five and their families. Some offer full-day care, others offer a few hours per day.
- Age - 2 to 5 years
- Cost - free or low-cost, depending on your income
- Help with costs - free childcare hours for all 3-4 year olds
-
‘Nursery school’
A school run by qualified teachers who provide an introduction to schooling. They are open during school hours in term time only.
- Age - 3 to 5 years
- Cost - usually free if it’s part of a government-funded school. There is a fee for out of hours care like ‘after-school clubs’ (average cost £57 per week)
- Help with costs - free childcare hours for 3-4 year olds
Can I get help with childcare?
There are three ways to receive government support with childcare. Get in touch with a local Children’s Centre or support organisation to check if you are eligible and for help to apply for the maximum support available to you (see next section for details).
- All parents of 3-4 year olds receive 15 hours of government-funded childcare each week
- There is no free childcare available to children under 2 years
-
Free hours of childcare
What is it?
An allowance of government-funded childcare hours that can be used flexibly with one or more approved childcare providers. They include:
- Children’s Centres
- Childminders & nannies
- Pre-schools
- Nurseries & after school clubs
Who can receive it?
The help you receive depends on your child’s age and your personal situation.
- Under 2 years - there is no allowance available
- Age 2 years - people who receive certain types of ‘benefits’ may get 15 hours of free childcare each week (570 hours per year)
- Ages 3-4 years - all parents receive 15 hours of free childcare each week (570 hours per year). People who receive certain types of ‘benefits’ may get an additional 15 hours each week (1140 hours per year)
How can I apply?
You don’t need to apply for 15 hours of free childcare for your 3-4 year old - contact an approved childcare provider directly.
Get help to check your eligibility and apply for additional childcare hours:
- For 15 hours of free childcare for your 2 year old - apply to your local council.
- For 30 hours of free childcare for your 3-4 year old - apply on the government website.
-
Part reimbursement of childcare
What is it?
A ‘Tax-free childcare’ scheme. For every £8 paid into a central account for childcare, the government adds an extra £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year)
- This only applies if you have a child aged under 12 years
Who can receive it?
Some parents who earn a low income receive ‘Tax-free childcare’ in addition to their allowance of free childcare hours. Eligibility depends on their personal situation, for example, how much they earn and the age of their child
- You cannot receive ‘Tax-free childcare’ at the same time as other ‘benefits’, such as tax credits or universal credit
How can I apply?
Create a ‘childcare account’ and apply online here.
- You will need details like your National Insurance Number
- Get help to check your eligibility and apply (read more in the next section).
-
Financial support ‘benefits’
What is it?
The government provides support to people who need help with daily living costs. If you are eligible, you may be able to receive up to 85% of your childcare costs
- This only applies if you have a child aged under 16 years
Who can receive it?
The system is complex but in general, ‘benefits’ are paid to people who receive a low income, are looking for work or are unable to work. You need to have lived and worked in the UK for some time and intend to continue living here
- You cannot receive ‘benefits’ at the same time as ‘Tax-free childcare’
How can I apply?
The system is really complex and difficult to navigate alone. Get help to check your eligibility and apply (read more in our dedicated section 'Financial Support').
Other financial support
All parents get help with the costs of travel and additional health care for their children. Some parents who earn a low income can get further support towards the costs of raising a child, such as help to buy healthy food
- Get support to check if you are eligible and for help to apply for the maximum support available to you from organisations listed below
What types of financial support can I get?
For all parents and children
-
Free or discounted travel for children on public transport
Travel to and from school is free for all children aged 5-16 years. For travel outside of this and how to apply, read more in our dedicated section ‘Paying for your travel’:
- Under 5 - free travel with a paying adult (they do not need a ticket)
- Age 5-10 - free travel on buses, tubes and trains with a ‘Zip Oyster’ photocard
- Age 10-15 - free travel on buses and trams, and discounted rates on tubes and trains with a ‘Zip Oyster’ photocard
- Age 16-17 - free travel on buses and trams, and discounted travel on tubes/ trains with a ‘Zip Oyster’ photocard
-
Help with the cost of medication, dental care and eye care
Here we list the main groups, but you can read more in our dedicated section, ‘Costs of healthcare':
- Free medications - for children aged under 16 years, children aged 16-18 years and in full-time education, and women who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Free dental care - for children aged under 18 years, people aged 18 years and in full-time education, and women who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Free sight test and help towards the cost of spectacles/ contact lenses - children under 16 years, children aged 16-18 years and in full-time education
For parents who earn a low income or receive certain 'benefits' from the government
-
Help towards buying healthy food and vitamins
‘Healthy Start’ vouchers are available to women who are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years, and are receiving certain types of ‘benefits’ from the government.
- Ask your local doctor (GP) for information and how to apply
-
Free school meals and school-uniform clothing grants
Grants of up to £60 per year are available to parents who earn a low income or receive certain types of ‘benefits’ from the government:
- Apply to Haringey Council - online here using Haringey Council ‘My account’ service
- If you are not confident in English, get help from a local organisation listed below