Earlier in 2023, the Government announced that on 1st April 2024, it would offer more FREE childcare to working parents, with further changes happening in the future. Parents of 2-year-olds who work & both earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage, and both earn less than £100,000 net income each are eligible to apply for free childcare. Previously this only applied when children were aged 3 & 4 years old or for 2-year-olds whose family are in receipt of certain benefits. You can find out more information at Childcare Choices website here.
However, before you all jump for joy that you’ll have extra cash in your bank account, do check with your childcare provider that they are accepting the scheme and if any top-up charge is due!
Source: Childcare Choices Website
You can apply for free childcare here on the Gov.UK website but don’t worry you have plenty of time, with the recommended period for applying between 15th January and 28th February!! The website was pretty busy when Vicki from Wakefield Mumbler was trying to get on yesterday!!
You first need to set up a Government gateway account first with your National Insurance number, passport and access to a mobile phone. You will then be able to apply for the free childcare (you need to input in your income). A code will be generated which you can pass onto your childcare provider. You must re-confirm every 3 months that no details have changed!
If you don’t have a 2-year-old, check out Childcare Choices website here. It is brilliant at giving you information on what childcare offers are in place so that you can find out what help is available! There’s Tax-Free Childcare, 15 & 30 hours Childcare & Universal Credit Childcare. I find it all quite confusing but this website made sense!!
