Childcare Funding and Support
We know that covering the cost of childcare isn’t always easy, so we’re really pleased to tell you about the government’s funding available for eligible 2 year and all 3 to 4 year olds that will reduce your childcare costs.
​
The different funding available, depends on a number of eligibility requirements.
Every family is different so if you have any questions please contact us.
Our management team will be more than happy to go through what's available to you and help tailor a package that will work with you and your child.
We've put together an overview of the different funding available below.
​
(Further information can be found at (https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/)
​
​
Tax Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare (Age 0-11 or 16 if disabled)
​
-
For working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
-
Earning under £100k and at least £139 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each
-
Who aren't receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
-
With children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled)
-
For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year
2 year old- 15 Hours free Childcare
-
For families in England, receiving some forms of support
-
With 2-year-old children
-
15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
-
To be able to take up 15 hours of free childcare for your two-year-old you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria. Please visit GOV.UK for further information.
-
A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
-
We will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 47.5 weeks, using 12 hours per week
​
To apply please visit Help with childcare costs – Funded childcare for two-year-olds - Lincolnshire County Council
3 & 4 year olds- 15 hours free childcare
-
For all families in England
-
With 3 and 4-year-old children
-
15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
-
A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
-
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week
3 & 4 year olds - 30 hours free Childcare
-
For working families in England
-
With 3 and 4-year-old children
-
30 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
-
We will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 47.5 weeks, using fewer hours per week
-
If your working pattern and/or income has changed because of coronavirus (COVID-19); before you apply or reconfirm for 30 hours, please read how these changes may affect your eligibility
Tax Credits for Childcare
-
For working families, in the UK
-
With children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
-
70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
-
If you cannot make a new claim for Tax Credits, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Universal Credit for Childcare
-
For working families claiming Universal Credit, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
-
With children under 17*
-
Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs
-
Who aren't receiving Tax-Free Childcare
Support While you Study
-
Weekly payments from Care to Learn if you’re at school or sixth-form college
-
Help through your college if you’re in further education
-
A weekly grant if you’re in full-time higher education