Employer support towards childcare
Employers may help towards childcare costs in a number of ways:
- some may pay part of your salary tax-free in the form of Childcare Vouchers
- childcare subsidies
- workplace provision
Speak to your employer for more information, or visit HMRC Childcare.
Financial support while you study
Financial help may be available for childcare if you are in education or training.
Care to Learn
If you are a young parent, Care to Learn can help pay for childcare and related travel costs while you are learning.
The subject or course you take is up to you. For example, you can choose whether you want to take a qualification or not. You can also choose whether you want to learn at a college or through a course in your community, such as at a children's centre.
Wherever you decide to learn, you can be confident that your child is being safely looked after.
Visit Care to Learn (GOV.UK) for more information.
The Childcare Grant
The Childcare Grant (GOV.UK) is available to students in higher education with dependent children. How much you receive depends on your household income and the actual cost of your childcare.
Discretionary Learner Support
You can apply for Discretionary Learner Support (GOV.UK) to pay for childcare if you’re 20 or over and in further education, for example studying for an NVQ, BTEC, or PGCE.
The Parents' Learning Allowance
The Parent’s Learning Allowance (GOV.UK) supports student parents in higher education with course-related costs such as books, travel, and childcare. The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances.