Depending on their circumstances, there are a number of ways parents can get financial assistance to pay for childcare.

Those at work

• You may be entitled to the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or could get tax relief from employer contributions to childcare costs.

Everyone

• All three and four year-olds are entitled to a free part-time early learning place.

Returning to work or training
There are also bursaries and deferred payment loans available to support a change in career.

• Students in further education or higher education can get grants to support childcare.
• Lone parents wanting to get into work can get extra support to pay for childcare.
• Young parents can also get a lot of help if they are still studying or learning.
• Couples returning to learning and training where one partner is working.

All support towards childcare costs listed here will support registered or approved childcare only. This includes childcare such as daycare nurseries, childminders, out of school clubs etc. registered with Ofsted.

If you think that your family would benefit from additional support to access childcare, please speak with your

Health Visitor or Social Worker for more information about referrals.

If you need more information about the kind of support available please contact the Inclusion and Equality Development Officer, call 0191 561 5699.

To find out more about what help would be available to support you paying for childcare download our Paying for Childcare booklet or contact us on 0191 520 5505.