Paying for Childcare
Good quality childcare can take up a large proportion of
family income and in the UK most childcare is paid for by
parents.
When you are planning childcare, work out how much per week
you can afford.
Look at current prices in your area and phone childcare
providers to ask them their charges. However, before accepting a
place for your child, think about these points:
- Have you allowed for the cost of any extra hours and for out of
school care?
- What does the fee include? Will you have to pay extra for
meals, or activities such as music, dance and outings?
- Will you have to pay the full fee if your child is ill or on
holiday?
- Do you have to pay a deposit when you accept a place, and can
it be refunded?
- Do you have to pay fees beforehand and, if so, is it for a
week, a month or a term?
- How much notice do you have to give? Do you have to sign a
contract that your child will stay for a minimum period?
- Do you have to provide a uniform or other special
clothing?
Need some help?
If there is a gap between what you can afford and the prices
of childcare on offer, you may be able to get some help with the
costs.
Help for Students and Trainees
Some colleges and training providers help with childcare
costs, either by providing free or subsidised services, or by
providing allowances to help parents pay for childcare. Sometimes
interest-free loans are available to help pay costs - including
childcare - until you finish your course.
Help from employers
Sometimes employers help with childcare by giving employees
childcare allowances or childcare vouchers. Others provide
childcare in the form of workplace nurseries, often at reduced
costs. Ask your employer about tax exemptions if using their
workplace nursery or out of school scheme.
Early Years Education for Three and Four Year
Olds
In each Local Authority there is an Early Years Development
Plan to ensure that there is free early years education for every
four year old for the three terms before they must go to school.
From the term after he or she turns four years old, every child is
entitled to 5 sessions of pre-school education of two and a half
hours each for 33 weeks per year.
Contacts for more information:
Children's Information Service
01245 440400
- Working Families Tax Credit Helpline Freephone 0800 597
5976
- Social Security Child Benefit Helpline 0541 555 501