Have you planned your summer childcare?

With brighter nights upon us, many working parents are starting to think about their summer childcare plans. Additional childcare costs over the school summer holidays can put a significant added strain on already stretched family finances.

Find out what financial support is available

There is help available with the cost of registered childcare, which can include some summer schemes, as well as year round providers such as registered childminders, out of school clubs and day nurseries. For example, parents may use Universal Credit, Childcare Vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare and the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme to help meet their bills. Ahead of the summer now is a good time to make sure your family is receiving all the financial support you are entitled to.

Increased support through Universal Credit and the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme

In the Spring budget the Chancellor confirmed an increase in support for childcare costs through Universal Credit that applies for families across the UK.

The maximum support that can be received through Universal Credit towards childcare costs over this summer is £1,031 per month for one child and £1,768 for two or more children.

In Northern Ireland, the Education Minister announced a 10% increase to the maximum amount of support that can be claimed through the NI childcare Subsidy Scheme to £184 per month per child, or £376 per month of the child has a disability.

With these increases in support available, it is important to check that you are receiving the best form of support for your family’s circumstances.

Finding suitable childcare

The Family Support NI website www.familysupportni.gov.uk is a useful resource for families looking for registered childcare and includes a search function for all registered childcare providers across Northern Ireland, including summer schemes.

Alternative working arrangements

Talk to your employer to see if they can facilitate alternative or flexible working patterns if you find it challenging to manage childcare over the summer.

Flexible working arrangements can take various forms for example part-time working, compressed hours (working your agreed hours over fewer days), job sharing or term-time only working.

Further information

To find out more about what financial support you are entitled to with your summer childcare, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.