Raising a child is a rewarding journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless decisions. One of the most significant considerations for parents in England is the cost of childcare. Understanding and managing childcare costs is crucial for families.
Whether you’re planning to return to your job, looking for the best education and childcare providers for your child, or simply budgeting for the future, this overview aims to shed light on the complexities of paying for childcare.
From the factors that influence costs to available financial support, including certain benefits, we will explore how parents can navigate this essential aspect of family life.
For example, understanding your income and accessing registered childcare providers can play a significant role in managing expenses.
Additionally, exploring schemes like tax-free childcare and wraparound care options can help save money.
Join us as we look into the world of childcare costs in the UK, providing insights on what is available to help you make informed decisions for your family’s well-being.
Childcare support – what help is available?
There are many schemes available, including tax free childcare and funded hours, some of which are listed below which we accept across all our nurseries. To find out what is available to you and your family, head over to Childcare Choices for eligibility and up-to-date information.
1. Tax-free childcare
Tax-Free Childcare scheme replaces childcare vouchers but if you are already using childcare vouchers, you can continue to do so. For every £8 you pay into your tax free online childcare account, the Government will add an extra £2, making a possible saving of up to £2,000 per child per year.
Find out more about tax free childcare here.
2. Universal Credit
Working families, with nursery school age children, who are eligible for Universal Credit, can claim back up to 85% of their monthly childcare providers costs. Find out more.
3. Funded Childcare
11 Hours Free Childcare Funding for children 9-months to 23 months
From September 2024, eligible parents of 9-month to 23-month-old children can typically access 15 hours of childcare support per week over 38 weeks a year (term time). However, as we do not typically operate on a term-time basis and instead offer childcare across 50+ weeks a year, we stretch this funding up to 11 hours per week across the entire year.
These funded places are available for working parents and those who receive some form of government support. You can check your eligibility for Government Supported funding here.
For families receiving additional Government support, these sessions have no additional charges and are subject to availability and could be subject to change.
11 Hours Free Childcare Funding for children 2-3 years olds
From April 2024, eligible parents of 2-year-olds can typically access 15 hours of childcare support per week over 38 weeks a year (term time). However, as we do not typically operate on a term-time basis and instead offer childcare across 50+ weeks a year, we stretch this funding up to 11 hours per week across the entire year. These funded places are available for working parents and those who receive some form of government support. You can check your eligibility for Government Supported funding here.
For families receiving additional Government support these sessions have no additional charges and are subject to availability and could be subject to change.
11 and 22 Hours Free Childcare Funding for children aged 3 – 4 years olds
All children aged 3–4 years qualify for funding of between 15 and 30 hours per week under the Government’s FEEE programme. However, as we do not typically operate on a term-time basis and instead offer childcare across 50+ weeks a year, we stretch this funding up to 11 hours per week across the entire year (for the 15 hours funding) and 22 hours (for the 30 hours funding) per week across the entire year.
You can check your eligibility for Government Supported funding for this age group here.
