A number of government funding streams are available to help you meet the cost of childcare. Some of these are universally available, some are means-tested and some are for parents of a child with a disability.
The government’s Childcare Choices website sets out the financial support that is available to help families with paying for childcare.
More information about paying for the childcare of a child with SEND is available from the Devon Family Information Service.
Help with childcare for children under the age of five
You can find more information about the different forms of early years childcare support, including those that are not specific to children with SEND on our website on our funded childcare information page.
Help with childcare for older children and young adults
- Tax-Free Childcare is for 0-11-year olds or 16 if disabled: Working families can receive up to £4000 per child.
- Tax credits for childcare are for 0-15-year-olds or 16 if disabled: Working families can claim back up to 70% of childcare costs.
Help with childcare for parents who want to study
You may be eligible for help with your learning costs. You must be a full-time higher education student and have children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs. Find out more at GOV.UK – Childcare Grant.
The Care to Learn scheme can also help with childcare costs while you study. You must be aged under 20 at the start of your course. Find out more at GOV.UK – Care to Learn.
See our paying for childcare factsheet for more information on the wide range of support available for all parent carers.