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? 

Child born in January to March Will be 9 months old in October to December Can get 15/30 hours funding from Spring

Child born in April to June Will be 9 months old in January to March Can get 15/30 hours funding from Summer

Child born in July to November Will be 9 months old in April to August Can get 15/30 hours funding from Autumn

Child born in December Will be 9 months old in September Can get 15/30 hours funding from Spring

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?

15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds for eligible families

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?

Find out more on the Childcare Choices website

How do I apply?

To check eligibility for funding visit the County Council website

Apply Online 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?

If you child is 2 between:

• 1 September and 31 December – Apply October toDecember, to start from January (Spring term)

• 1 January and 31 March – Apply January to March, to start from April (Summer term

• 1 April and 31 August – Apply mid-May to August, to start from September (Autumn term)

Please note: our system only allows applications up to 16 weeks before the term starts.

If it is more than 16 weeks before the term start date then you will need to apply at a later date

Where can I use the funding?

At Ofsted-rated Good or Outstanding providers.  You can find a provider near you on the Families Information Service Directory

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 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. 

E.g. 

Child turns 2  January to March    Recommended to Apply 15 January – 28 February    Starts Summer Term - April

Child turns 2  April to August    Recommended to Apply 15 June– 31 July    Starts Autumn Term - September

Child turns 2  September to December    Recommended to Apply 15 October – 30 November    Starts SpringTerm - January

How do I apply?

You will be able to apply from 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, although you must be offered alternative options.

15 Hours Childcare

What is it?

15 hours funded childcare for 3 & 4 year olds for all families

15 hours of funded early learning and childcare per week 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.

Some providers allow you to use fewer hours per week over more weeks, and you can use the funding at up to two providers

Is it for me?

All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to the funding and your child can start from the term after their 3rd birthday

This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday)

How do I find out more information?

Find out more on the Childcare Choices website

When can I start using the funding?

• If your child is 3 in January, February or March you can start their funded  place from the beginning of the Summer term
• If your child is 3 in April, May, June, July or August you can start their funded  place from the beginning of the Autumn term.
• If your child is 3 in September, October, November or December you can start their funded  place from the beginning of the Spring term

Find details of Nottinghamshire term dates

Where can I use the funding?

Free 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, although you must be offered alternative options.

30 Hours Childcare

What is it?

30 hours funded childcare for 3&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

More about the 30 hours childcare can be found in this guide on top things parents need to know about tax-free childcare and 30 hours free childcare:

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.

E.g. 

Child turns 3  1 January – 31 March    Apply 15 January – 28 February    Starts April

Child turns 3  1 April– 31 August    Apply 15 June– 31 July    Starts September

Child turns 3  1 September – 31 December    Apply 15 October – 30 November    Starts January

You can apply outside of these dates but you may not get your code in time for the start of the next term.

How do I apply?

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

Watch this short video guide on applying for tax-free and 30 hours childcare

You can also follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply and use 30 hours free childcare

What happens next?

If your application is successful you will be sent a code which you take to your chosen 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 20 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?

Free 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, although you must be offered alternative options.

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

What is it?

Up to £2,000 per year towards childcare costs 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

More about Tax-Free childcare can be found in this guide on top things parents need to know about tax-free childcare and 30 hours free childcare:

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:

• £951 per month for one child
• £1630 for 2 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 

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 playschemes
• 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) funding of  £915 annually as of 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 2, 3 or 4?

*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

They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements.

For further information about DLA look on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children - GOV.UK (www.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

Four 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 free 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 free entitlement hours.

If a child receiving DAF moves from one provider to another, the new provider is not eligible to receive DAF for this child within the same academic year. The new provider will need to wait until the following academic year to be able to apply for funding for the child

Who to contact

Early Childhood Services Business Support

Telephone 0115 9772510 or E-mail earlychildhoodservices@nottscc.gov.uk

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.  See Care to Learn: Overview

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 eligibiity 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 £179.62 a week for 1 child
• up to £307.95 a week for 2 or more children

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

2021 to 2022 academic year

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

The maximum you can get is:

• up to £179.62 a week for 1 child
• up to £307.95 a week for 2 or more children

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 

What is it?

Pays 70% of childcare costs, as long as your childcare costs are not more than:

• £175 per week for one child
• £300 per week for two or more children.

Is it for me?

Only available if you currently claim Working Tax Credits and meet the eligibilty criteria

How do I find out more information?

Visit www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit 

How do I apply?

You can no longer make a new claim for Working Tax Credits so this is only if you currently receive  working tax credits.  Instead you can apply for Universal Credit

Where can I use it?

You can use tax credits for childcare to help pay:

• Registered childminders, nurseries and nannies
• Registered after-school clubs and playschemes
• Registered schools
• Home care workers working for a registered home care agency

Scheme now closed to new applicants

Only available to people who joined the scheme on or before 4 October 2018

You can take up to £55 a week of your wages, which you do not pay tax or National Insurance on

Cannot continue to claim if you have a Tax-Free Childcare account

Notttinghamshire County Council has developed resources to support people affected by the invasion of Ukraine and for Local communities who have opened up their homes to people fleeing from Ukraine.

Please click the link below:

Support for Ukraine | Nottinghamshire County Council

Welcome Pack

You can also find out more about what funding you might entitled to by visiting one of these websites:

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.