New Government Childcare Schemes

Working parents can start applying for two new Government childcare schemes launching this year – Tax-Free Childcare which begins immediately and 30 hours free childcare which starts in September.

This means that working parents of children, aged under 4 on 31 August 2017, can now apply through the new digital childcare service for Tax-Free Childcare and receive a Government top-up of £2 for every £8 that they pay into their Tax-Free Childcare account. This will apply to children under 12 years old but parents of disabled children under 17 will also be able to apply for Tax-Free Childcare.

This new scheme is designed for working families, including the self-employed, in the UK. For every £8 you
pay in, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child, or £4,000 per year for disabled children under 17 years old. The special account is then used to pay for childcare with an OFSTED registered nursery or childminder.

In addition, parents of 2-3 year olds, who will be eligible for a 30 hours free childcare place in September 2017, can apply through the childcare service and start arranging a place with their childcare provider.