- Funding Support
Support with
childcare costs
Because every family deserves a little help
We know childcare is one of the biggeset expenses for a family. There may be goverment support available to help with your costs depending on your circumstances and scheme rules.
🛈 Support depends on eligibility, scheme rules and provider status.
Funding options that may be avaiable
Support can make a real difference. Explore the main schemes below.
Tax-Free Childcare
A government top-up to help you pay for registered childcare.
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Up to £2,000 per child/yr -
£4,000 if disabled -
20% top-up on eligible costs -
For working families
Childcare Cost Support
Save on weekly childcare costs to help you balance work and family life.
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Eligible families can receive support -
Based on income and other factors -
Check local scheme rules
Help While Studying
Financial support to help with childcare while you study or train.
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For students in higher or further education -
Paid directly to an approved provider -
Rules vary, so check your course
General Eligibility Guidance
Not sure where you stand? We can help you understand.
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Income and age requirements -
Child’s age and childcare needs -
Provider status may affect support
Provider Status & Scheme Rules
Funding depends on your provider meeting government criteria.
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We are an approved childcare provider -
We follow scheme rules and standards -
Ask us if you’re unsure
Important to know
Support is not guaranteed. It depends on your eligibility, the scheme rules and whether your chosen provider is approved.
Before you enquire
We are here to guide you.
Our team can help you understand what support may be available and how to apply.
A little preparation
helps us help you
Having the right information ready can help us guide you more accurately. Here’s what you might need:
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Your child’s date of birth -
Your household income (if known) -
Employment or study details -
Any existing childcare arrangements -
National Insurance number (for some schemes) -
Preferred start date and days needed
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions about funding and eligibility.
What is Tax-Free childcare?
Tax-Free Childcare is a UK government scheme that helps eligible working families pay for approved childcare. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2. You can receive up to £2,000 per child each year, or up to £4,000 if your child is disabled. Your childcare provider must be approved and signed up to the scheme.
How do I know I’m available for support?
Eligibility depends on your circumstances, your child’s age, where you live in the UK, your work, benefit or study status and the type of childcare provider you use. GOV.UK provides a childcare calculator to help families check what support they may be able to access.
Will the funding cover all my childcare support?
Not always. Childcare funding usually helps with part of the cost, but it may not cover everything. For example, Universal Credit childcare support can cover up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, but monthly limits apply.
Does the provider need to be apporved?
Yes, most childcare funding routes require approved or registered childcare. Tax-Free Childcare can be used for approved childcare, but the provider must meet the scheme rules.
Can I provide more than one scheme?
Sometimes, but not all schemes can be used together. For example, you cannot receive Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Universal Credit childcare support or childcare vouchers. Check official guidance before choosing a route.
What if my circumstances change?
It may do, depending on the scheme and provider status. Support can depend on whether the care arrangement is approved or registered and whether eligibility rules are met.
Are funded childcare hours available across the UK?
Funded childcare schemes vary by UK nation. Parents should check official guidance for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before relying on a funded-hours route.
Is there childcare support while studying?
There may be support if you are studying or training. Depending on your age, course type and circumstances, options may include Care to Learn, Learner Support or Childcare Grant.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Your eligibility may change if your work, income, benefits, study status, childcare needs or family circumstances change. Report changes through the relevant official account or scheme process.
How can this childcare provider help?
The provider can help you understand what questions to ask before arranging childcare support. Funding support is not guaranteed, so parents should always check the latest official guidance before relying on any scheme.
Tax-Free Childcare is a UK government scheme that helps eligible working families pay for approved childcare. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2. You can receive up to £2,000 per child each year, or up to £4,000 if your child is disabled. Your childcare provider must be approved and signed up to the scheme.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances, your child’s age, where you live in the UK, your work, benefit or study status and the type of childcare provider you use. GOV.UK provides a childcare calculator to help families check what support they may be able to access.
Not always. Childcare funding usually helps with part of the cost, but it may not cover everything. For example, Universal Credit childcare support can cover up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, but monthly limits apply.
Yes, most childcare funding routes require approved or registered childcare. Tax-Free Childcare can be used for approved childcare, but the provider must meet the scheme rules.
Sometimes, but not all schemes can be used together. For example, you cannot receive Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Universal Credit childcare support or childcare vouchers. Check official guidance before choosing a route.
It may do, depending on the scheme and provider status. Support can depend on whether the care arrangement is approved or registered and whether eligibility rules are met.
Funded childcare schemes vary by UK nation. Parents should check official guidance for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before relying on a funded-hours route.
There may be support if you are studying or training. Depending on your age, course type and circumstances, options may include Care to Learn, Learner Support or Childcare Grant.
Your eligibility may change if your work, income, benefits, study status, childcare needs or family circumstances change. Report changes through the relevant official account or scheme process.
The provider can help you understand what questions to ask before arranging childcare support. Funding support is not guaranteed, so parents should always check the latest official guidance before relying on any scheme.
Ready to explore your options?
Tell us a little about your family and we will help you find out the right support.
