Help with childcare costs

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England, and some 2-year-olds, can get 15 hours per week (570 hours per year) of free early education or childcare. This starts from the term after the child turns 2 or 3. Some 3 and 4-year-olds can get 30 hours of free childcare per week (1040 hours per year).

Childcare support is expanding. Read more on the changes.

The Department for Work and Pensions have released a universal credit and childcare guide giving information on who can claim support with childcare costs and how much.

If you have any questions, need assistance or want help searching for a suitable childcare provider, we are here for you.

• Search for childcare in Portsmouth
• Call our Family Information Service on 023 9268 8830 or email us at fis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
• Follow us on Facebook

You can also:

• View the top things parents need to know about tax-free childcare and 30 hours free childcare document.
• Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out about the types of funding, eligibility criteria and how to apply.
• Use the childcare calculator to work out how your benefits may be affected by your childcare costs and free childcare you may be eligible for.