If you're paying for childcare during the school holidays, you could be entitled to financial support that helps make childcare more affordable.
Yet many eligible families are still not using Tax-Free Childcare, often because they don't realise they qualify or they're unsure how the scheme works.
With the cost of childcare continuing to be a concern for many parents, it's worth taking a few minutes to check whether you're missing out on support that could save you hundreds of pounds each year.
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme designed to help working parents with childcare costs.
For every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds £2. This means you receive a 20% contribution towards eligible childcare costs.
Parents can receive up to £2,000 per child, per year, or up to £4,000 per year for a child with a disability.
The money can be used to pay for a range of approved childcare providers, including many holiday clubs and activity camps.
Many parents assume they won't qualify or simply aren't aware that the scheme exists.
Others may have heard about Tax-Free Childcare but haven't taken the time to apply because they believe the process will be complicated.
In reality, many working families are eligible and the application process is straightforward.
The biggest challenge is often knowing the support is available in the first place.
You may be eligible if:
You are working and earning at least the minimum income requirement.
Your child is aged 11 or under (or 16 or under if they have a disability).
You and your partner each meet the eligibility criteria if you live together.
Neither parent earns more than the maximum income threshold.
Eligibility can vary depending on your circumstances, so it's always worth checking the latest government guidance.
Yes.
One of the most useful features of the scheme is that it can be used for approved holiday childcare providers.
For many families, school holidays can be one of the most expensive times of the year for childcare. Whether you're arranging cover for a few days or several weeks during the summer break, Tax-Free Childcare can help reduce those costs.
If you're booking places at Aspire Active Camps, you may be able to use your Tax-Free Childcare account to help pay for your child's sessions.
No.
Childcare vouchers were closed to new applicants in 2018, although some parents still use existing voucher schemes through their employer.
Tax-Free Childcare is the replacement scheme available to eligible working families.
You'll need to reconfirm your details every three months to continue receiving support through the scheme.
The process is usually quick and can be completed online.
Some forms of childcare support can affect your eligibility for others.
If you're unsure which option offers the best value for your family, it's worth checking the latest government guidance or seeking independent advice.
The savings can quickly add up.
For example, if you spend £400 on childcare, you would pay £320 and receive a £80 government contribution through Tax-Free Childcare.
For families using holiday childcare throughout the year, this can make a significant difference to overall childcare costs.
Many parents spend time searching for affordable childcare options but overlook the financial support already available to them.
If you're planning childcare for the next school holiday, now is a good time to check whether you're eligible for Tax-Free Childcare.
At Aspire Active Camps, we understand that finding high-quality holiday childcare that fits your family's budget is important. That's why we encourage parents to explore all available support options and make the most of any assistance they're entitled to.
If you have questions about paying for Aspire Active Camps using Tax-Free Childcare, our team will be happy to help.