Help with Childcare Costs
As there is no national rate for Childminders costs will vary and will depend on where you live and what services your childminder provides. According to the National Childminding Association in 2009 the average fee charged across England and Wales was £3.61 per child per hour.
By using a registered Childminder or Childcare provider you may be able to claim the childcare element of Working Tax Credits of up to 80% of your childcare costs (up to a maximum limit).
The amount you can claim will depend on how much you earn and how many hours you work. The lower your income, the more tax credits you can get.
If your child is three-four years old, they are eligible for a free part-time place for at least 12.5 hours a week (15 hours from September 2010).
Jobcentre Plus can also help with childcare costs as long as you are using a registered childcare provider. Ask them for a free ‘Choices Kit’ for lone parents thinking about work - it includes advice on job-hunting, childcare and financial help.
Here are some useful Contacts for further information.
National Childminding Association: 0845 880 0044
DaycareTrust: Parent Information Line - 0845 872 6251
Directgov - Childcare benefits, tax credits and other help for working parents
Working Tax Credit– Help with the costs of childcare
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