Help with childcare costs

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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).

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.

There is also a helpful early education funding FAQ document

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.