Childcare

Information for parents and carers about childcare and support with childcare costs.

• Become a childminder

  Find out how you can become a childminder.

• Concerns about a childminder

  What you can do if you have any concerns about a childminder.

• Extra funding to support your child's development

  If you get certain benefits your childcare provider can apply for funding to support your child's learning and development.

• Find a childcare provider

  How to find childcare and what to consider when choosing a provider.

• Find before and after school clubs and holiday play

  Search for before and after school clubs and holiday play schemes in your area. They can be run by a school, or a private or voluntary organisation.

• Free childcare for under 5's

  The free childcare hours available for under 5s, and how to apply for them.

• Free early education for 2 year olds

  Who is eligible for a free early education and childcare place, and what you need to do.

• Help with childcare costs

  Free early education, tax free childcare, working tax credit, childcare vouchers and support while you study.

• Tax free childcare

  You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).