Help with childcare costs

All children, the term after they turn three, are eligible for 15 hours per week universal funding during term time at a registered childcare provider.

You could also receive an additional 15 hours which would give you 30 hours of free childcare a week during term time. To find out more and check if you’re eligible visit our funding for early learning places page.

If you use fewer than 30 hours per week you may be able to get free childcare for 52 weeks of the year. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.

If you are not currently working you may still be eligible for help with your childcare costs if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

Childcare funding is also available for some two-years-olds who meet the eligibility criteria. Check online to find out more.

You can find details of Early Years providers in our directory of support services.

And remember if you would like to find a new or a better job or even set up your own business, you can access free support and advice through our weekly work clubs that take place in Northam, Bitterne, Weston, Shirley and the city centre, where you can get free advice and one to one support from our team of Employment Officers.