UK Childcare - Babies

[Nombie]

FTM wondering what is avaliable, or where to look to learn about childcare.

I did a quick google and found there are free hours for 2-3 yr olds but didn't find anything for 0-2yr olds. Also it only told me 15 free hours, I don't know if that is a week or a month.

Is there anything for 0-2 yr olds?

I'm in England incase that changes anything.

If what you are asking for is for help paying for childcare, there are funded hours (I think it's 15 per week?) available starting at 2 if you are on certain needs-tested benefits (not child benefit, both certain others that you get because you have a lower income or none at all). Otherwise, you get 15 hours per week from age 3 (if you aren't working) or 30 hours per week if you are working.

But if you meet the criteria (I believe you have to be working a certain amount), everyone is eligible for tax free childcare up until their children are 12. This basically means you pay your childcare pre-tax. Or say your childcare costs are 800 per month. You would pay 600 and then the government would top that up by 200 to pay the full bill of 800. It's basically 20% off the cost of childcare.

@mindutopia Thank you, I did think it would be based on a benefit system, we don't qualify for any unfortunately but I suppose it could change once I leave work / am on Mat leave. We're always just over the amount they deem 'needing help' which is annoying :D

If your not working then you will only be entitled to 15 hours free education form the term after your little one is 3 years old. The free hours are term time only so for 39 weeks of the year.

There is tax free childcare and child benefit.

Is there anything for 0-2 yr olds?
Only if you are on certain benefits or your child has disabilities. www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds

If you earn under £50,000 a year you get child benefit. There is a taper after that - www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/changes-to-child-benefit-from-2013 You should put in a claim for it anyway if you earn over that but not accept the payments to ensure your child gets an NI number when applicable.

You can get tax free childcare - www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/tax-free-childcare/

Hope all the links help.

You might be eligible for the childcare component of UC - check a benefits calculator. If you're not eligible for this you can claim tax free childcare, which will reduce the cost that you personally pay by 20% (the govt tops it up).

That's all there is really until they hit the age for free hours (and free hours are term time only and often don't include snacks so you might be surprised at how little the price goes down).

0-2 yr olds are supported if you get additional benefits
3 year olds, the term after they turn 3 get 15 free hrs a wk (across the school term) and 30 free hours a wk (across the school term) if both parents are working (including if you are on mat leave) and you earn I think under 100k.