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Help with childcare costs

We know from our Knowsley Offer consultation that the cost of childcare can be a real challenge for many families in the borough. Especially those who may have more than one child under school age.

This is an issue that we know families across the UK are facing and we continue to lobby the Government to take steps to address this.

There are some schemes already in place to help, so make sure you are aware of what support you may be entitled to.

For more information on all funding, check your eligibility or apply, visit Childcare Choices.

15 and 30 hours childcare for eligible working families

Available for children aged 9 months to 4 years.

  • Up to 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for children aged from 9 months up to 2 years old (from September 2025 this will increase to 30 hours)
  • Up to 30 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 3 and 4 year olds.
  • Can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers.
  • Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Coming soon, from Sept 2025 - Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.

15 hours for families receiving some additional forms of support

For children aged 2 years receiving some additional forms of support. Available the term after the child’s 2nd birthday:

  • 15 hours of early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers.
  • Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over up to 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Am I eligible?

To be able to take up 15 hours of early education for your two-year-old you must meet the eligibility criteria. 

Further information is available on the Council’s website.

15 hours childcare for all families

For children aged 3-4 years.  Available the term after the child’s 3rd birthday:

  • 15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers.
  • Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over up to 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Tax-free childcare

If you’re a working parent or carer, you can get a £2 top-up for every £8 you pay for childcare.

You can use it to pay for childcare, including: 

  • childminders, nurseries and nannies
  • before and after school clubs
  • holiday clubs
  • specialist equipment for the childcare provider to use for your child, such as mobility aids

Read more and apply here.

Universal Credit Childcare

For working families claiming Universal Credit. With children under 17. Paid up to the end of August following the child's 16th birthday. Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs. Who aren't receiving Tax-Free Childcare. 

You can't claim Universal Credit Childcare at the same time as:

  • Tax credits
  • Tax-Free Childcare

Study Support

For families where one or both of the parents are studying:

  • If you're under 20 at the start of a publicly funded course, such as a school or sixth form, you could get weekly payments through Care to Learn.
  • If you're 19 or over and in further education, such as studying for an NVQ, BTEC, or PGCE, you can apply for Discretionary Learner Support to pay for childcare.
  • If you're in full-time higher education, you can apply for a childcare grant to pay for childcare costs for children under 15 (or under 17 if they have special needs).
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