How to find childcare, get help paying for it and what to do if your circumstances change

Step 1:  

Find out if you can get help with Childcare Costs 

• Check what help you could get with childcare costs 

You can only get help with 'approved childcare'. 

Find where you can get childcare

• Find a nursery school place

• Find a registered childminder

• Search for free early education and childcare

Step 2: 

Get help paying for Childcare

You can get help with childcare costs for children under 18. You might be able to apply for: 

• Tax-Free Childcare 

• Tax Credits  

• Universal Credit  

• help while you study  

You could also get free hours childcare when your child is aged two to four. You might be able to apply for: 

• free education and childcare for two year olds 

• 15 hours free childcare for three to four year olds 

• 30 hours free childcare for three to four year olds 

You can only get childcare vouchers if you have already joined a scheme. 

Step 3: 

Check what to do if your circumstances change. 

Tell government straight away if your circumstances change and you're getting: 

• Tax Credits 

• Universal Credit  

Your eligibility for support with childcare costs might also change.  

Check if your eligibility for help with childcare costs has changed  

Step 4: 

Check what to do when your child reaches school age.  

Your child starts primary school the September after they turn 4. 

• Apply for a primary school place 

• Find before and after school and holiday clubs 

You might be able to use help like tax credits or Tax-Free Childcare to pay for childcare like wraparound care, after school clubs or other activities. 

For further information on getting Childcare on GOV.UK.