 programme is offered by most councils in England to help provide childcare, activities and healthy meals to children from low-income families. As part of the initiative, children can go to the likes of sports, music and arts clubs, as well as enjoy a nutritious meal each day absolutely free. Funding for the programme is allocated to councils in England from the government. The exact help available depends on which part of the country you live in. Most widely offer it to children already in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. The care on offer can be worth as much as £376 over the summer holidays, providing a huge helping hand to families struggling between term time. Contact your local council to see exactly what is available . Free childcare - thousands Parents of three and four-year-olds can claim 570 hours of free childcare a year , which equates to 15 hours a week. Some parents can get 30 hours a week too , depending on their circumstances. But from April 2024, working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare per week. At the moment, to qualify for 30 hours of free childcare parents need to be in work, earn a minimum of the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national living wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. You can apply for 15 hours free childcare through a nearby childcare provider or your local council. If you don't know what council area you fall under, you can find it by using t){kind=link}
IF you’re a new parent feeling the pinch of rising bills and food costs, you can get up to £7,386 in help.
The cost of living crisis has forced us all, but parents especially, to tighten our purse strings.
But there are ways to get extra financial support to help care for your little ones.
Here’s everything you can claim if you’re a new parent or carer.
The little-known Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is offered by most councils in England to help provide childcare, activities and healthy meals to children from low-income families.