In this guide, you’ll learn the key considerations, work through a practical example and find useful next steps. Take your time and use the free worksheets to put ideas into practice.
What you’ll take away
Estimate full costs
Check support schemes
Compare net costs
Estimate full costs
Ask providers about hourly fees, meals, holiday arrangements, deposits and notice periods.
Check support schemes
Explore funded childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare support as relevant; eligibility and interactions vary.
Compare net costs
Include travel and lost earnings when comparing work and childcare arrangements.
Review each term
Recheck eligibility and costs as your child gets older.
What to gather
Provider quotes and contracts
Working hours and expected earnings
Eligibility checks for support
Putting your learning into practice
Use the guidance above to identify the information you need and the questions to investigate. Consider:
Estimate full costs.
Check support schemes.
Compare net costs.
Review each term.
This is general financial education, not a personal recommendation, an assessment of suitability or an invitation to buy or arrange a financial product. Check current official information and obtain appropriate professional advice for individual circumstances.
Further help
For up-to-date rules and support, see this UK guidance resource. Check which rules apply in your part of the UK.
This is general educational information, not personalised financial, tax, legal, business or care advice. Rules and eligibility can change; seek regulated or qualified advice when needed.
Put your learning into practice
Explore the workbook for your situation and record your own figures.
Ask about the topic you’ve just read. We can explain general information and signpost independent support, but cannot provide personalised regulated financial advice.
