Childcare costs
Childcare can be expensive, but there is help available for families in Staffordshire.
Free Childcare Hours
You might be able to get free childcare depending on your child’s age and your situation:
- 2-year-olds – families who get certain benefits can get 15 hours a week of free childcare.
- 3 and 4-year-olds – all families get 15 hours a week. Working parents may get 30 hours a week.
Other Ways to Get Help
You could also get help through:
- Tax-Free Childcare – for every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2.
- Universal Credit – can cover up to 85% of childcare costs.
- Tax Credits – can cover up to 70% of childcare costs.
- Care to Learn – for parents under 20 who are in school or college.
- Childcare Grant – for full-time students at university with children under 15 (or under 17 if they have special needs).
Studying and Need Help?
If you’re learning and need help with childcare, there are special schemes for:
- Parents under 20
- Parents over 19 studying for NVQs, BTECs or PGCEs
- University students
Want to Know More?
You can find more details and apply for help on the government’s childcare support website
