Childcare costs

Tax Credits

Families who are in work and who pay for ofsted registered childcare can get financial help with the cost of childcare.

Call the HM Revenue and Customs Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.

You can get your own online estimate of how much support you could get by using the Inland Revenue web-calculator (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window).

Nursery Education for three and four year olds

In Derbyshire all families are entitled to up to 15 hours of ‘early education’ for 38 weeks of the year from the term after their child turns three. 

There are also some places for two year olds in certain circumstances for more information see the ‘pilot project’.

Childcare vouchers

Some employers offer childcare vouchers or ‘salary sacrifice’ where you offer up part of your salary in return for help with the cost of childcare. 

More information is available from the HMRC leaflet - Childcare Getting help from your employer (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window).

What other help can I get?

If you are a parent and wondering whether you can afford to return to work then we are here to help.

Our welfare rights service can talk to you about your circumstances and do a ‘better off calculation’.

This will tell you what benefits or working tax credit you might be entitled to and let you know whether you will still be better off at work when the cost of childcare is taken into account. 

It only takes about 20 minutes and could save you money.

Call our benefits helpline on 0845 120 2985. It is open between 11am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. All calls will be charged at a local rate.

Or you can email the team at welfarerights@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Help if you are training or in learning

New Deal - If you are registered on Jobcentre Plus New Deal programmes you may be entitled to help with childcare costs – talk to your adviser.

Care to Learn - If you are a mum or dad or carer under 20 continuing your education or training you can get help to pay for registered childcare and travel costs.

Learner support funds - If you are 20 or over you could get help towards early learning and childcare costs through your college or school.

Students in Higher Education - Students with children using registerd chilcare can also get means tested grants, check when you apply for your course.

Free childcare for training and learning for work - This helps to pay for childcare while you train. It’s for couples aged 20 and over where one parent is working and the other is in training.

Information on other websites
Welcome to HM Revenue and Customs (opens in a new window)
DaycareTrust