Help with childcare

[Demilou]

Hi I have a 4 year old son, currently receiving income support. I have been offered a job that will be 12 hours a week, am I right in thinking i won’t qualify for help for childcare costs. As he will need to go to a private nursery in the school holidays.

Can he go to a childminder instead?

Thanks for replying, he could yes but I’m wondering if it’s worth my while working these 12 hours if I can’t get help with childcare costs. He currently goes to a school nursery 15 hours a week. But that’s only available in term time. I know if you work 16 hours you qualify for the help, but I’m not sure if I will with working 12 hours and being a single parent

Every 4 year old gets 15 hours and if the setting allows, this can be stretched across the whole year to give 11 hours each week. Can you afford the extra hours to top that up to what you need?

How much are you paid for the 12 hours? Some schemes whilst they say 16 hours, actually base it on the income... so you may be eligible if you are being paid above minimum wage.

Tax-Free Childcare: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/tax-free-childcare