Parent & Toddler Free Child Care Scheme - Deaf Accessible info

 

Introduction -  

Hello… 

As a working parent, I know how difficult it is to juggle childcare while working.  

Did you know there is a free childcare for working parents government scheme? 

There is a step by step guide to follow to see if this is something that could be of benefit to you 

Step 1 

Check you're eligible for free childcare if you're working 

You must live in England to apply for free childcare. The amount of free childcare you can get depends on: 

  • your child’s age and circumstances 

  • whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director) 

  • your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one) 

  • your immigration status 

 

Your child’s age and circumstances 

The number of hours per week of free childcare you can get depends on the age of your child. If your child is: 

  • 2 years old, you can get 15 hours free childcare 

  • 3 to 4 years old, you can get 30 hours free childcare 

You will not be eligible if your child does not usually live with you. 

If you foster your child, you cannot use the online application to get free childcare. Speak to your social worker and your local authority if you want to apply. 

 

If you’re working 

You can usually get free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are: 

  • in work 

  • on sick leave or annual leave 

  • on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave 

If you’re on adoption leave for a child aged 2 to 4 years old, you must return to work within 31 days of the date you first apply for free childcare for that child. 

Your income 

Over the next 3 months you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn at least: 

  • £2,167 if you’re aged 23 or over 

  • £2,117 if you’re aged 21 or 22 

  • £1,557 if you’re aged 18 to 20 

  • £1,098 if you’re under 18 or an apprentice 

This is the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average. 

You can use an average of how much you expect to earn over the current tax year if: 

  • you work throughout the year but do not get paid regularly 

  • you’re self-employed and do not expect to earn enough in the next 3 months 

 

 

 

 

 

Your immigration status 

To be eligible for free childcare, you must have a National Insurance number and at least one of the following: 

  • British or Irish citizenship 

  • settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you’re waiting for a decision 

  • permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this 

If you have a partner, they must have a National Insurance number too. 

STEP 2 

Check if you will be better off 

Getting free childcare might affect how much you get in tax credits. 

You can use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare, including: 

  • free childcare for children aged between 2 and 4 

  • help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled 

 

 

STEP 3 

How you can use your free childcare 

If your child is 2 years old, you may be able to get 15 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).  

If your child is 3 to 4 years old, you may be able to get 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).  

You may be able to get free childcare for 52 weeks if you use less than your entitlement per week. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer. 

The childcare: 

  • must be with an approved childcare provider 

  • stops when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later) 

You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips. 

STEP 4 

Apply for free childcare if you’re working 

There's one application for free childcare if you're working and Tax-Free Childcare. As part of your application, you will find out if you can get both. 

If you're eligible you'll get a childcare account and a code for free childcare. 

 

STEP 5 

Give your code to your childcare provider 

Give the code in your childcare account to your provider along with: 

  • your National Insurance number 

  • your child's date of birth 

 

STEP 6 

When to apply 

When to apply 

You can apply from when your child is: 

  • 1 year and 36 weeks for 15 hours free childcare 

  • 2 years and 36 weeks for 30 hours free childcare 

Your child’s birthday 

When they can get their hours from 

Recommended time to apply 

1 September to 31 December 

Term starting on or after 1 January 

15 October to 30 November 

1 January to 31 March 

Term starting on or after 1 April 

15 January to 28 February 

1 April to 31 August 

Term starting on or after 1 September 

15 June to 31 July 

You can apply outside of these recommended dates but you might not receive your code in time. You must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts. 

Check with your childcare provider to find out the exact date your free childcare starts. 

STEP 7 

Sign in to your account to reconfirm your details  

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

 

 

 

 
 
Over 55sRosa Whicker