Most childcare providers offer some form of discount if care is required for more than one child in the same family.
Help With The Costs Of Childcare
Tax Credits
As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards the costs of childcare. If you receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit, this will always be paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children, alongside payments of Child Tax Credit. The amount of tax credits you receive will depend on your annual income.
Free Early Years Provision
Early Years Provision combines education and care and helps children to develop strong foundations for future learning through hands-on activities and play.
All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to a free place. This entitlement starts from the term after their 3rd birthday. From September 2010, the free entitlement is up to 15 hours of Early Years Provision a week for 38 weeks a year.
Early Years Provision can be taken:
- in school nursery classes or community pre-schools attached to a school
- in private, voluntary or independent settings and
- with childminders who are part of an accredited network
In order to give parents choice and flexibility, the free provision can be taken over a minimum of 3 days between the hours of 8am and 6pm depending on the opening hours and sessions of the service chosen.
The Family Information Service can provide you with a list of settings that offer Early Years Provision - phone 01942 828644.
Other Sources of Financial Assistance
