If you’re studying full-time and raising children, you could get extra help through the Childcare Grant. This government-funded support covers up to 85% of your childcare costs and, unlike a loan, it does not need to be repaid.

The grant is designed to make higher education more accessible for working families, student parents, and those with special educational needs in the family.

What Are Childcare Grants?

Childcare Grants provide childcare funding to help full-time higher education students pay for registered childcare while they study. The grant can be used for care provided by a registered childcare provider, such as a nursery, childminder, or after-school club registered with Ofsted or the Care Quality Commission (depending on where you live in the UK).

These funded childcare options are part of the wider student finance support system and can be claimed alongside your tuition fee loan and living costs loan.

Who Can Get a Childcare Grant?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a full-time higher education student
• Have children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
• Are eligible for Student Finance England or equivalent regional funding
  
  

The grant is paid directly to your childcare provider through the Childcare Grant Payment Service, making it simple to manage your childcare payments during term time.

You cannot receive this grant if you or your partner are claiming:

• Tax-Free Childcare
• The childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit
• NHS funded childcare grants
  
  

How Much Could You Get?

The amount of childcare funding you receive depends on:

• Your household income
• How many dependent children you have
• The actual childcare costs you pay to a registered childcare provider
  
  

For the 2025–26 academic year, you could get up to:

• £199.62 per week for one child
• £342.24 per week for two or more children
  
  

That means if your childcare costs £100 per week, you’ll receive £85 (85% of your costs). If you pay £250 per week, you’ll receive £199.62, as this is the maximum weekly amount allowed.

How to Apply for a Childcare Grant

You can apply for a Childcare Grant as part of your main student finance application through Student Finance England.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide details about your childcare provider, course, academic year, and household income. Once approved, the payment service will make regular payments to your provider during term time.

You can also update your childcare details or claim changes during the year if your circumstances change.

Additional Support and Funded Childcare

If you’re not eligible for a Childcare Grant, there are other types of funded childcare and early education support available:

• 30 hours of free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
• The universal offer of 15 hours free for all 4 year olds
• The Disability Access Fund for children with special educational needs
• Local early years or college schemes offering extra help with childcare during term time
  
  

You can also speak to your local authority or student finance advisor to explore all available childcare funding options and find the correct support for your family circumstances.

Example: How the Grant Works

If your childcare provider charges £150 per week:

• 85% = £127.50
• You’ll receive £127.50 per week as a Childcare Grant
• The payment is made directly to your provider via the Childcare Grant Payment Service
  
  

This childcare funding can make a significant difference to your living costs while studying, helping you focus on your education without the stress of covering full childcare costs.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs | Updated: 24 March 2025