help with
childcare costs

Tax credits

Tax credits are available from the HM Revenue and Customs, based on household circumstances.

Child Tax Credits

These are for parents/carers who are responsible for at least one child or qualifying young person.
Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children. If you are a lone parent/carer you will receive the payment.

Working Tax Credits

This is for parents/carers who are employed or self-employed (either on their own or in a partnership), who

• usually work 16 hours or more a week
• are paid for that work, and
• expect to work for at least 4 weeks

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.

Check online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits for further information and eligibility.

Government Funding

The Government provides local authorities with funding for early education places to 3 and 4 year olds in settings inspected by Ofsted. All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday).

Child Care Vouchers

Huge savings can be made against childcare costs by paying for your childcare in vouchers which are provided by your employers.

We accept certain types of child care vouchers from employers who offer this benefit to their eligible employees as a paper or e-voucher.

Vouchers are non-taxable and exempt from NI contributions for employees, whilst offering NI savings for employers. Both parents are eligible to claim as long as they are both in employment. Further information can be found at www.childcarevouchers.co.uk