Help with childcare costs
Contents
Overview
Childcare support is available for many families, but the type of help you can get depends on your child's age and your circumstances.
If you use Ofsted registered childcare, you may be entitled to help with your childcare costs.
Before you apply
Some childcare entitlements require you to apply and receive an eligibility code before you can access funded childcare.
Children can usually start funded childcare from the term after they become eligible.
Select the option that best matches your circumstances to find out what support is available and how to apply.
Before choosing a childcare provider
Before arranging a funded childcare place, check:
- the provider offers funded childcare
- the sessions and attendance patterns available
- whether there are any charges for meals, consumables or optional activities
- whether there is a waiting list
Additional information about funded childcare
Childcare providers can decide how they organise funded childcare sessions, including session times and attendance patterns.
Having funded hours available does not mean a provider must change or extend its normal session arrangements.
Parents should not be charged for funded childcare hours. However, providers may charge for additional items or services, such as meals, consumables, trips or extra childcare hours that are not covered by the funded entitlement.
If you have questions about charges or funded childcare arrangements, speak to your childcare provider first. If you need advice about early education funding requirements, contact the Council.
GOV.UK information on childcare costs
You can input your details into the GOV.UK Childcare Calculator to see which schemes you can claim.
Page last reviewed: 19 October 2026
Thank you for your feedback.