Free childcare in Plymouth

The Government can help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.

Tax-Free Childcare - children between 0 and 11 (or 16 if disabled)

• For families, including the self-employed, with children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled)
• For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year 

Find out more about Tax-Free Childcare

15 hours free childcare - 2 year old children

• For families in England, receiving some forms of support with 2-year-old children
• 15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
• A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
• Some providers will allow you  to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week
• Also known as ME2 or me2.

Find out more about 15 hours free childcare (2 year old children)

15 hours free childcare - 3 and 4 year old children

• For all families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children
• 15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
• A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
• Some providers will allow you  to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

Find out more about 15 hours free childcare (3 and 4 year old children)

30 hours free childcare - 3 and 4 year old children

• For all families with 3 and 4-year-old children
• 30 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
• A total of 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
• Some providers will allow you  to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

Find out more about 30 hours free childcare (3 and 4 year old children)

Tax credits for childcare - children between 0 and 15 (or 16 if disabled)

• For families with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
• 70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
• If you cannot make a new claim for Tax Credits, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit instead.

Find out more about tax free credits for childcare

Universal Credit for childcare - children under 17

• For families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17
• 85% of eligible childcare costs, up to a cap

Find out more about Universal Credit for childcare