Cost of extra childcare for key workers

[Oblahdeeoblahdoe]

Asking for a friend. She's a key worker and usually her mum looks after her DS 2 days a week and then she pays a childminder for the other 3 days. DM can't babysit anymore so she's having to pay for the extra days. Is there any financial support for key workers in this situation? Doesn't seem fair to me

Everyone is in same boat at least she has a job and is earning, as a childminder my income is gone, business insurance won’t pay out, no support from government. Current parents unwilling to even pay quarter fees to help me survive yet expect me to be there for them when this is all over. Sadly this is Not looking likely and I will have to close for good.
is your friend expecting the childminder to work for free ? This will not happen ! Has she tried to see if she entitled to help through tax credits, uc? Local more and more childminders are now shutting there doors to key workers as well as the risk is just too big .

I don't see why it is unfair for her to pay for extra days childcare? It would be different if her work were demanding her to work more hours but it doesn't sound like that is the case? It sounds like her hours are the same but her usually free childcare is not able to have her child.

Thanks. I have every sympathy with child minders obviously and don't feel they should miss out at all but neither should she when she's doing a vital job for the country. My question was about extra support, I'll direct her to tax credits. Thank you

Tax Free Childcare scheme may help a little if not eligible for childcare element of tax credits/UC.

Thank you @nannynick. I'll pass it on