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Early learning places for three and four year olds

All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Free nursery education can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at their childminders.

For more information about free nursery education in your area, contact your Family Information Service (FIS). The FIS provides information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services available within their area.

• Free early learning for three and four year olds

• Find your local Family Information Service Opens new window

Help for working parents

If you have a child, you may be able to get Child Tax Credit to help with the cost of looking after them. If you are on a low income, you may also qualify for Working Tax Credit. This could mean getting back up to 70 per cent of your childcare costs - up to certain limits. The limits are £122.50 a week for one child and £210 a week for two or more children. You need to use a registered or approved childcare provider.

• Tax credits (money, tax and benefits section)

Help for lone parents

Lone parents who are out of work can get help through a government programme called New Deal for Lone Parents. Further information is available through your local Jobcentre Plus office.

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

Help for students

If you’re in further education you may be able to get extra financial help. This could come through the Care to Learn Scheme (for students under 20) or through Learner Support Funds. There's also a scheme providing help with childcare costs for sixth form students aged 20 or over.

As a higher education student, you may be eligible for extra help on top of any standard student loans or grants you get. This could include a bursary, Child Tax Credit, Childcare Grant or help from the Access to Learning Fund.

Money may also be available through educational trusts or charities. Ask your student welfare adviser or LA for advice.

• Care to learn (education and learning section)

• Learner Support Funds (education and learning section)

Help from employers

Some employers offer a childcare allowance or vouchers as part of a ‘salary sacrifice’ scheme. It is worth asking your line manager, personnel or human resources department whether your employer runs a scheme like this.

• Employer support towards childcare costs Opens new window

• Tax and National Insurance Contributions on employer-supported childcare Opens new window

More useful links

• Childcare

• Information about looking for and starting work (employment section)

• Download the Sure Start 'Looking for childcare' booklet Opens new window

• Download HMRC booklet, 'Help with the costs of childcare' (WTC5) (PDF, 86K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Useful contacts

• Parents contacts