Help with childcare costs

What is it?

From September 2024, eligible working parents of 9 months + will be able to access initially 15 hours for 38 weeks of the year from September 2024, then 30 hrs from September 2025.

This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. From September 2025 this works out at up to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year.

Is it for me?

You, and any partner, must both be working and each expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and each earn less than £100,000 a year.

When can I apply and when will the funding start? 

You can apply during from the term your child turns 9 months onwards for funding to begin at the start of the following term.

Your child reaches eligible age:

• 1 September - 31 December, the funding can begin on the term starting on or after 1 January (Spring). The recommended time to apply is between 15 October and 30 November. The final deadline to apply is 31 December.

• 1 January - 31 March, the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 April (Summer). The recommended time to apply is between 15 January and 28 February. The final deadline to apply is 31 March.

• 1 April - 31 August the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 September (Autumn). The recommended time to apply is between 15 June and 31 July. The final deadline to apply is 31 August.

How do I apply?

The application process for 9 month + children has not opened yet. Sign up for more details about the upcoming expansion as well as how and when to register for support with childcare costs on the Childcare Choices website.

Where can I use the funding?

Places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders.

You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory

Do I have to pay anything?

The funding does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions.

What is it? 

From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support for 38 weeks of the year.  Eligible parents can apply from 2 January 2024.

This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. From September 2025 this works out at up to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year.

Is it for me?

You, and any partner, must both be working and each expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and each earn less than £100,000 a year.

When can I apply and when will the funding start?

You can apply during the term your child turns 2 for funding to begin at the start of the following term. 

Your child reaches eligible age:

• 1 September - 31 December, the funding can begin on the term starting on or after 1 January (Spring). The recommended time to apply is between 15 October and 30 November. The final deadline to apply is 31 November. 
• 1 January - 31 March, the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 April (Summer). The recommended time to apply is between 15 January and  28 January.  The final deadline to apply is 31 March.   
• 1 April - 31 August the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 September (Autumn). The recommended time to apply is between 15 June and 31 The final deadline to apply is 31 August.

How do I apply?

You will be able to apply from the Childcare Choices website.

What happens once you have applied?

If your application is successful you will be sent a code which you take to your chosen childcare provider(s) along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth. 

They will then check the code is valid. 

You may receive the eligibility code before your child turns 2 but you can only start using their 15 hour place the term following their 2nd birthday, or the term after the date the eligibility code was issued (whichever is the later).

You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months or your code will expire. 

Where can I use the funding?

Places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders.

You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory.

Do I have to pay anything?

The funding does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions.

What is it?

15 hours funded childcare for 2-year-olds of eligible families who receive some additional forms of government support.

At 2 years old eligible children can get 15 hours per week of funded early learning and childcare for 38 weeks of the year.

This works out at up to 570 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year though some providers will allow you to use less hours per week over more weeks of the year.

Is it for me?

The funding is available to:
Families receiving certain benefits, or If the child is classed as 'looked after' or if the child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

How do I find out more information?

For further information about the eligibility criteria of visit the funded 2 year old places for families receiving some forms of additional support page.

You can also find out more on the Childcare Choices website

How do I apply?

Apply online here or telephone 0300 500 8080 to speak to an advisor at the Customer Service Centre

When can I apply and when will the funding start?

The information below will help you to understand when to apply for funding for your 2-year-old:

• if your child turns 2-years-old between 1 September and 31 December, the funding can begin on the term starting on or after 1 January (Spring). The recommended time to apply is between October and December
• if your child turns 2-years-old between 1 January and 31 March, the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 April (Summer). The recommended time to apply is between January and March
• if your child turns 2-years-old between 1 April and 31 August, the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 September (Autumn). The recommended time to apply is between mid-May and August.

Please note: the application system only allows applications from when a child is 1 year and 9 months old. You will need to apply and have confirmation of eligibility before you can claim the funded hours.

Do I have to pay anything?

The funding does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions.

What is it?

30 hours funded childcare for 3-and 4-year-olds for working families.

Working families may be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded early learning and childcare for 38 weeks of the year.

This works out at up to 1140 hours of funded early learning and  childcare per year, usually taken as 30 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.

You can use fewer hours per week over more weeks for example to cover school holidays.  You can use the funding at up to two providers

Is it for me?

You, and any partner, must both be working and each expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and each earn less than £100,000 a year.

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible. 

How do I find out more information?

Find out more and apply online on the Childcare Choices website or go straight to apply now.

When can I apply and when will the funding start?

You can apply up to 16 weeks before your child turns 3 i.e. when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old. 

You should apply during the term that your child turns 3 for funding to begin at the start of the following term.

Your child reaches eligible age:

• 1 September - 31 December, the funding can begin on the term starting on or after 1 January (Spring). The recommended time to apply is between 15 October and 30 November. The final deadline to apply is 31November 

• 1 January - 31 March, the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 April (Summer). The recommended time to apply is between 15 January and 28 January  The final deadline to apply is 31 March.                       

• 1 April - 31 August the funding can begin on or after the term starting 1 September (Autumn). The recommended time to apply is between 15 June and 31June. The final deadline to apply is 31 August.

How do I apply?

Applications can be made at www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare

What happens once you have applied?

If your application is successful you will be sent a code which you take to your chosen childcare provider(s) along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth. 

They will check the code is valid. 

You may receive the eligibility code before your child turns 3 but you can only start using their 30 hours place the term following their 3rd birthday, or the term after the date the eligibility code was issued (whichever is the later).

e.g. If your child's 3rd birthday is 17 July and you receive the code on 1 August you can start using the 30 hours from 1 September, but if you don't receive the code until 12 September you will have to wait until 1 January to start using the 30 hours funding.

You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months or your code will expire. 

Where can I use the funding?

Funded places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, day nurseries, pre-school playgroups and childminders.

You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory

Do I have to pay anything?

The funding does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions.

What if I'm not eligible for 30 hours?

If you're not eligible for 30 hours funding you are still able to use the 15 hours funded childcare entitlement for 3-and-4-year-olds.

What is it?

Up to £2,000 per year towards childcare costs for 0 -11-year-olds with a tax-free childcare account.

A Government top-up scheme for working families.

For every £8 you pay in the government will add in an extra £2. Up to £2,000 per child per year. Or for children aged 0-16 with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND) you can receive up to £4,000 per year.

Is it for me?

You, and any partner, must both be working and each expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum or living wage, and each earn less than £100,000 a year.

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible. 

 You can use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as:

• 15 hours free childcare
• 30 hours free childcare.

You can't use it with:

• Universal Credit
• Tax Credits
• Childcare Vouchers (closed to new entrants).

How do I find out more information?

Find out more and apply online on the Childcare Choices website or go straight to apply now.

 How do I apply?

Applications can be made at www.gov.uk/apply-for-tax-free-childcare. 

You can also follow this step-by-step guide to tax-free childcare.

Where can I use the funding?

You can use Tax-Free Childcare all year round to spend on regulated childcare, such as:

• Childminders, nurseries and nannies
• Before and after-school clubs and holiday clubs.

You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory

What is it?

You can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs for children under 17 if you receive Universal Credit up to a maximum monthly limit of:

• £1,014.63 for one child
• £1,739.37 for two or more children.

Eligible parents claiming Universal Credit are also able to get additional help with their upfront childcare costs when moving into paid work or increasing their working hours so that they can more easily pay their next set of costs.

Parents who are moving into paid work or increasing their working hours can speak to their Universal Credit work coach who can provide more information.

Is it for me?

You, and any partner, must be working, or you’re due to start work, and are claiming Universal Credit and you pay childcare costs

You can't claim Universal Credit at the same time as:

• Tax credits
• Tax-Free childcare.

How do I find out more information?

Find out more information about claiming childcare costs in the Universal Credit: childcare guide.

How do I apply?

Go to Universal Credit online to apply for Universal Credit or Sign in to your existing account here.

Where can I use it?

You can use more than one provider but they will need to be a registered childcare provider for you to claim universal credit childcare costs, such as:

• registered childminders, nurseries and nannies
• registered after-school clubs and play schemes
• registered schools.

You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory

What is it?

Early Years Providers in Nottinghamshire are eligible to receive Disability Access Fund (DAF), £915 annually from April 2024, per child, where a child is taking up a place and is in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Is it for me?

Do you claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA)* for your child?

Does your child access their funded nursery entitlement at a day nursery, pre-school, childminder or school nursery?

Is your child aged 3 or 4?(from April 2024 the allowance will be extended to 2-year olds)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:

• is under 16
• has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.

The child will also need to meet all of the eligibility requirements.

For further information about DLA visit Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

How do I find out more information?

Contact Early Childhood Services Business Support

Telephone 0115 9772510 or email earlychildhoodservices@nottscc.gov.uk

Where can I use it?

All Early Years providers: Day nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and school nurseries/F1 units that offer funded entitlement places are eligible to receive Disability Access Fund (DAF).

Additional information

4-year-olds in primary school reception/foundation stage classes are not eligible for DAF funding but children in maintained nursery settings are eligible for DAF funding.

If a child, eligible for DAF, is splitting their funded entitlement across two or more providers their parent(s) will need to nominate the provider to whom they wish the payment to be made. This will usually be the provider where the child is accessing the majority of their funded entitlement hours.

Care to Learn

If you are a young parent who wants to continue with your education or training, take a look at Care to Learn.  The scheme pays for childcare costs whilst you study if under 20 at the start of your course. Visit Care to Learn: Overview for more information.

What is it?

Up to £180 per week (or £195 if you live in London) to help with the cost of registered childcare, and also with the cost of taking your child to their childcare provider.

Childcare payments go directly to the childcare provider, travel payments go directly to your school or college.

Is it for me?

Care to Learn provides funding for childcare to help young parents (under the age of 20) continue at school or in further education after the birth of a child

You need to apply before the start of your course or as soon as possible after you start

How do I find out more information?

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.

Go directly to apply for Care to Learn at Student Bursary Support Service (education.gov.uk).

Childcare Grant

What is it?

You can get 85% of your childcare costs or a fixed maximum amount, whichever is less.

The maximum you can get is:

• up to £188.90 a week for 1 child
• up to £323.85 a week for 2 or more children.

Rates above apply to the 2023 to 2024 academic year

You have to pay any remaining costs for childcare

Is it for me?

Parents in full-time higher education with children under 15, or 17 with special education needs.  You must be eligible for student finance.

How do I find out more information?

Find out more including how to apply at www.gov.uk/childcare-grant.

Learner Support

What is it?

Your learning provider (for example, a college) decides how much you get.

The money can help pay for things like:

• accommodation and travel
• course materials and equipment.
• childcare

Is it for me?

If you’re aged 19 or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship.

How do I find out more information?

Find out more information at www.gov.uk/learner-support.

You can also find out more about what funding you might be entitled to by visiting the websites below:

Find out if you are eligible for Government help with childcare costs whether you have toddlers or teens, and apply online on the Childcare Choices website.

Check what Government help you could get with childcare costs with the Childcare Calculator.

Find out what other benefits and financial support you may be able to get with the Government Benefits Calculator.

Turn 2 Us, a national charity have created an online benefits calculator. which offers bespoke information dependent upon your circumstances.