Funding Childcare

 

babyChildcare can be a financial strain for any parent. There are various schemes aimed to help. Childcare Voucher Scheme A Childcare Voucher Scheme is available to staff of Bradford Trusts to help you save money on your childcare costs. Childcare Vouchers are provided by Accor Services, and are offered as a salary sacrifice scheme. They can be used to pay for all forms of registered childcare for children up to 15 years old. To participate in the scheme, you will sacrifice an amount up to £243 per month, which will be free from Tax and National Insurance Contributions, giving you the potential to save between £962 and £1195 per year.

Each month the voucher amount will be placed into an electronic account on pay day, for you to access to pay your childcare provider. Alternatively, you can visit Accor's website for more information. For further details please contact us on 01274 228321, or e-mail childcare.coordinator@bdct.nhs.uk

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is available to all parents with children under 16 (or under 19 if in full time education). It is paid for each child, and is not effected by income or savings. To find out more about Child Benefit, visit the Child Benefit website.

Child Trust Fund

A savings and investment account for children. The Government will make payments to children through this account to help strengthen the savings habit of future generations. CTF accounts are available for eligible children born on or after 1 September 2002. For further information please visit www.childtrustfund.gov.uk

Family Fund Grant

The Family Fund Grant is available to support families with severely disabled or seriously ill children. For more information, visit www.familyfund.org.uk, or telephone 0845 1304542.

Nursery Education Grants

Free nursery education is available for all 3 and 4 year olds. This may be up to two and a half hours per day, each week during term time. The nursery education could be offered by schools or a grant funded provider, for example day nurseries, childminders, crèches or playgroups. To be eligible for funding, private and voluntary providers of childcare must register with the Early Years and Childcare Service and be inspected by OFSTED. A more detailed explanation of the Nursery Education Grants is available here. For further information, or a list of schools and registered providers offering free nursery places in your area contact the Children's Information Link, 01274 437503.

Free Prescriptions & NHS Dental Treatment Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months are entitled to free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment. You will need to obtain a Maternity Exemption Certificate, by completing application form FW8 (which is available from Doctors, Midwives and health visitors). Visit the Prescription Pricing Authority for more information.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Available to help those on low incomes with the cost of things for a new baby. Visit the Department for Work and Pensions site for more information.

Tax Credits

Child Tax Credits are available to all families with children under 16 (or 18 if still in full-time education) and is based on your household income. Working Tax Credits aim to support working households on low incomes. Those families with children may also benefit from the Working Tax Credits, by receiving help with the costs of childcare. For more information visit the Tax Credit website.

Health Care Students

If you are a health care student, or if you are considering going into training, you may wish to know more about the financial support available to you, as well as additional help for childcare costs.

NHS Bursaries

Health Care Students may be eligible for financial help to cover everyday living costs. Further information on the NHS Bursary is available from the Student Grants Unit of the NHS Pensions Agency. The Department of Health also publish information regarding financial help for health care students. To view this information, visit the links below:

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