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Help with childcare costs
You may be able to get help with your childcare costs while in learning or training, depending on the type of course and your circumstances. Before starting a course check with the tutor, or college's student services department to see what financial help you are entitled to.
This table is a guide only. Always check with the funding provider to see exactly what support you can get.
Care to Learn
If you're under 20 when your course starts and you have children, you may be able to get funding towards registered childcare and related travel costs. The money is paid directly to your chosen childcare provider. Find out more by visiting Care to Learn or calling the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Adult Learner Support Funds
If you’re aged 19 or over, you can apply directly to your college’s Student Support department or welfare officer for this type of funding, which can be used to pay for registered childcare. If you're under 20, the college may decide that the Care to Learn option above might be more suitable for you, depending on your circumstances.
Child Tax Credit
How much Child Tax Credit you qualify for depends on your circumstances and your income. You may be able to claim it while learning although you will need to be working at least 16 hours a week. Call the Tax Credits Helpdesk on 0845 300 3900 or visit the HM Revenue and Customs website to see if you're eligible.
Educational trusts and charities
Many of these organisations can help with childcare costs. They will assess your situation before making a decision, so check your eligibility before applying. There are a lot of them and you can find them listed in the Educational Grants Directory, The Grants Register, The Charities Digest or the Directory of Grant Making Trusts. Any main library in your area should have copies of these.
You can also visit the Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) website, where you can search for trusts and charities online.
Childcare Grant
You can claim this grant for registered childcare if you're a full-time student in higher education, with children under 15. You can qualify for up to 85 percent of childcare costs throughout the year, not just during term time. How much you’re able to get depends on the cost of your childcare, your income and any income your dependants earn. It is a grant so you don't have to pay it back. You apply for the Childcare Grant through Student Finance England.
University or college bursaries
If you're in full-time higher education, you may be able to apply for financial help through the university or college bursary scheme. A bursary is extra money on top of the student loans you are receiving. It does not have to be repaid. The amount you can apply for will depend on your circumstances.
To apply, contact your Student Support department or visit Student Finance England.
NHS Childcare Allowance
You can apply for help towards your childcare costs from the NHS Childcare Allowance. You could be eligible if you:
- are an existing or new NHS Bursary funded student
- have dependent children aged 15 or under, or 17 and under for children with disabilities or special educational needs
- use registered childcare.
The amount you receive depends on your circumstances. For more information call the NHS Students Helpline on 0845 358 6655 or visit the NHS Childcare Allowance section of the NHS Bursaries website.
Professional and Career Development Loan (PCDL)
If you're over 18 and planning to do a course to help with your career you can use a PCDL to pay for childcare. You pay the loan back after you complete the course. You can get more information if you call 0800 585 505 or visit the Professional and Career Development Loans website.
