Childcare Funding and Support for Students

Welcome to Your Student Union Childcare Funding and Support page! Here, you’ll find resources and guidance on childcare options, government support, and additional funding for students with childcare responsibilities. Whether you’re a home student or international student studying at Coventry, London or Scarborough Campus, this page covers what you need to know to help balance your studies with childcare.

Your Students' Union Advice Service is a free, independent and confidential service for all students.

Government-Funded Childcare in England (Home Students)

In England, parents and carers are eligible for government-funded childcare for young children, which can ease financial pressures. Here's a breakdown of available support:

Tip: Check with your provider to confirm the flexibility of your hours. You can combine funded hours with other schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit.

Support Options

Tax-Free Childcare: Home students may be eligible for a variety of government schemes to reduce childcare costs:

For children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled), Tax-Free Childcare allows you to claim up to £2,000 per child per year. This scheme offers:

  • Eligibility: Parents must expect to earn an average of £167 per week (or be in paid work soon), with no parent earning over £100,000 individually.
  • Benefit: Up to £500 is provided every three months, or £1,000 for children with disabilities.
  • Use Cases: Approved childminders, nurseries, nannies, and school clubs.
  • Combining with Other Support: Tax-Free Childcare can be combined with 15 or 30 hours of free childcare but cannot be used with Universal Credit, tax credits, or childcare vouchers.

For a step-by-step guide, visit the official Tax-Free Childcare page.

Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds: Certain families with a household income under specific limits may qualify for 15 hours of free childcare for 2-year-olds if they receive benefits like Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit. Additional eligibility includes children with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, or those looked after by local authorities.

If you’re an international student, you may still qualify for some childcare assistance:

  • Childcare for 2-Year-Olds: You may be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare if:
    • Your household income is under £26,500 outside London or £34,500 within London for one child.
    • You have no more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

For further assistance, please contact your childcare provider or local council to confirm eligibility.

Local Childcare Support

Coventry City Council provides comprehensive resources for parents and carers. They offer support in locating childcare providers that suit your needs, whether you need nurseries, childminders, after-school programs, or specialized support for children with specific needs.

Please contact:

Childcare Request: Call 024 7697 5451 or visit Coventry City Council website to request a list of childcare options or to learn more about Early Education Entitlement Funding.

There are a wide range of services you can access to find comprehensive resources for parents and carers who require childcare in the London area. They can offer support in locating childcare providers that suit your needs, whether you need nurseries, childminders, after-school programs, or specialized support for children with specific needs.

A good place to start is the online search tool: Childcare in London or visit your Local Authority to request a list of childcare options or to learn more about Early Education Entitlement Funding.

There are a range of services you can access to find comprehensive resources for parents and carers who require childcare in the Scarborough area. They can offer support in locating childcare providers that suit your needs, whether you need nurseries, childminders, after-school programs, or specialized support for children with specific needs.

A good place to start is the online search tool: Childcare in Scarborough or visit your Local Authority to request a list of childcare options or to learn more about Early Education Entitlement Funding.

Child Benefit for International Families in the UK

International families may apply for Child Benefit if they meet residence requirements:

  • Right to Reside: Applicants must live in the UK, with certain allowances for visa and residence permits. Check eligibility if you have "pre-settled" or "settled" status.
  • Income Limits: If you're a Commonwealth citizen, you may be able to apply for right of abode, which may support your eligibility for child benefits.

Learn more about Child Benefit eligibility here.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on childcare support either in the Coventry area or your local area or to check your eligibility, please refer to the relevant sections above or complete our Enquiry Form to speak directly to a student union advisor. We are here to support you in accessing childcare options that best fit your needs and help you manage your studies while caring for your family.

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