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Childcare and Early Education Costs
Childcare and Early Education Costs
There are various forms of financial help available to help parents meet their childcare and early education costs.
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
In April 2003, the Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit replaced existing tax credits to improve the way the Government supports families with children and working people on low incomes. The changes mean that more people will be getting more financial help. It can make a big financial difference to families on middle and low incomes and there is an additional element for children with a disability.
Early Education Funding
All children are entitled to a funded part time early education place from the term following their 3rd birthday.
- If your child has their third birthday between 1st Sept and 31st Dec, they are eligible for funding in the spring term (January.
- If your child has their third birthday between 1st January and 31st March, they are entitled to funding from the summer term (April)
- If your child has their third birthday between 1st April and 31st August, they are entitled to funding from the autumn term (September).
Early education is provided in a variety of childcare settings, independent or private nursery class or school, day nursery, pre-school or playgroup.
To claim this funding the nursery or group has to be included on the "Directory of Providers" as agreed by the Royal Borough of Kingston Local Authority. This means that the group has been approved to provide early education according to Early Learning Goals developed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.(DCSF).
Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP)
The Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP) is a London-only pilot, the largest childcare investment programme funded by the London Development Agency (LDA) and Sure Start.
It provides lower income families with access to subsidised full day and flexible childcare if they are in reciept of child tax credit (cTC) or the childcare element of the working tax credit (WTC) until November 2008. The programme is designed to offer such families greater choice, flexibility and quality to enable them to remain in, or return to, full or part-time work or training.
Subsidised childcare places will be available until December 2008 and all 33 London Boroughs are participating.
All places are provided by Ofsted registered nurseries or National Childminding Association accredited Childminding Networks.
You will find a link at the bottom of the page to the London Development Agency for further information about the programme.
Childcare Affordability Programme Phase 2
Do you want to train, look for work, start work or volunteer but can’t afford the cost of childcare?
You could receive up to 100% of your childcare costs for a temporary period from the Learning or Earning Fund(part of the CAP phase 2 funding)
Contact the Families Information Service 020 8547 6582 for more information and how to apply.
A downloadable application pack & guidance document is available below.
Childcare Vouchers
Childcare Vouchers are one of the ways in which employers can assist their employees with the costs of childcare. The first £50 of childcare vouchers are exempt from National Insurance Contributions (NIC) for employees and employers so they can help you save money on your childcare costs. This amounts to a possible £243 per month, per parent. Click on the link below for further information.
Individual Reductions
Some Groups may offer support by a small reduction in fees for:-
- A family who are paying for two or more children to attend their group.
- For children of a lone parent
- Where there is an exceptional social need
If you are experiencing financial difficulties it is worth asking, some groups though are not in a financial position to be able to offer reductions.
New Deal for Lone Parents
If you are a single parent family, always speak to the lone parent advisors if you are thinking about going back to work or before signing up for a course.
Lone Parent Advisors are based at Jobcentre Plus, 3 Brook Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. Clients are seen by appointment only.
Peter Elston and his colleagues: 020 8481 3000 or email peter.elston@jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Help for Students
If you are a parent who wants to study or train, you may be able to get help paying for childcare while you study.
The Government has increased funds to contribute to the childcare costs of more students and trainees and is considering other ways to make sure parents are able to study or train.
Ask your student welfare advisor to tell you what your childcare options are and what your college or university does to help students who are parents.
Finding out about childcare provided by your college or university
Some colleges and universities provide childcare schemes aimed at students.
These schemes could include:
Nurseries, Crèches, Out of school schemes, Holiday playschemes, Childminding Networks