THOUSANDS of families across Tameside could save significantly on childcare costs for school-aged children.
Parents of children starting school in September are urged to check their eligibility for the government’s Tax-Free Childcare support.
This initiative allows flexible payment for childminders, after-school clubs, school holiday care, and wraparound childcare. It applies to children aged 11 or younger, and up to 16 for children with disabilities.
Tax-Free Childcare offers a £2 top-up from the government for every £8 deposited, providing up to £500 (£1,000 for disabled children) every 3 months. This equates to financial support of up to £2,000 annually per child (£4,000 for disabled children).
Julie, a mother of three from Droylsden, shared, “I saved money on my older child’s holiday club thanks to Tax-Free Childcare.”
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Councillor Teresa Smith, said, “Finding suitable wraparound care can be challenging for working parents. Tax-Free Childcare makes a real difference.”
Tax-Free Childcare complements free childcare hours for children aged 9 months and older, subject to eligibility. Eligibility criteria are available on GOV.UK.