How working parents can claim £2,000 a year to cover school holiday clubs

Six weeks is a long time, and parents across the UK know the struggle of trying to find childcare for the summer holidays. Thankfully, there’s a government scheme to help.

Working parents can claim up to £2,000 per child to cover summer holiday childcare costs, thanks to the government’s tax-free childcare scheme.

The cash can be used towards school holiday clubs and summer camps, as long as the government approves them.

Don’t panic though; as over 68,000 childcare providers have signed up to the government’s scheme so there’s options available. To find your nearest, visit the Gov.uk website.

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A whole host of childcare providers are included in this scheme, including nannies, nurseries, summer camps, and after-school clubs so there’s plenty of options to suit individual lifestyles. With this tax-free cash, childcare during the school holiday couldn't be easier.

If you haven’t applied for tax-free childcare, you can also find a childcare calculator on the government’s website. Here you’ll be able to calculate what help you could be entitled to.

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If you’re eligible, you can apply online in 20 minutes. You’ll need your personal details (and your partner’s, if applicable). This includes National Insurance Number, your unique taxpayer reference, and employment status. You'll find out if you qualify within seven days of applying.

This scheme is open to working parents of children aged 0 to 11-years old. It also applies to parents who are self-employed. To qualify, you and your partner must earn between minimum wage and £100,000 a year.

The government also offer a school uniform grant, if you're struggling with the costs of the new school year. This scheme is aimed at low-income families to help support the household with the cost of uniforms as the new school year approaches.

Have you applied for this childcare scheme? What did you it for? Let us know about your experiences via our Facebook page.