There are a number of different ways that you may be able to get help with the costs of childcare. The government has supported the Day Care Trust to set up a new website for families that provides information in a wide range of circumstances - if you are working, if you are already studying or training or are thinking about it, or if you are parent of a disabled child. It provides easy-to-read introductions to each of the main types of benefits, grants and subsidies that are available to help ease the financial burden of paying for childcare. The website is called paying for childcare. It also includes a tax credit checker that can help you find out whether you are eligible for help with your child care costs through the childcare part of working tax credits. We know that many families in Redbridge who could be eligible for help though tax credits are not currently claiming so check out your position. You may be surprised to find that there is money that could be yours to claim that could make a difference to your family.

You may have an employer or find an employer who will offer you help with your childcare costs. The website provides information about the different sorts of help that some employers provide and guides you through whether this sort of help will benefit you and your family.

If you are looking for work then Jobcentre Plus is experienced in helping people find jobs or training that will help you get back to work. They can explain which benefits are available to you and also guide you through the help that may be available if you start work. See the Jobcentre Plus website or call or visit the local Jobcentre Plus office.

We also have staff that work for our Children’s Centres who can help you if you are looking for a job or training. This is called the ‘Choices’   service. Our advisors understand that when you have been taking a break from work because you have a young family, or have not had a job before you may need extra help and support to give you the confidence to take that next step.

Families Information Direct have also produced a guide ‘Quids for Kids' (PDF 348KB) that acts as an introduction to all the benefits that you may be able to claim when you have children.

The guide is available to download from Related documents below or you can call us for a copy to be sent to you at home. 

You can also find information about three and four year old early education funding on our pages and download a leaflet. A free early education place – which at the moment is for a maximum of twelve and a half hours a week for 38 weeks each year can be provided by a day nursery so that if you are working these free hours can help with the overall cost of the hours that you pay for.