Childcare support (early years)

Childcare Choices is the national government scheme to support parent/ carers with the cost of childcare. This covers a range of hours and budgets depending on the age of the child and their needs.

The Childcare Choices website displays all the eligibility requirements and calculators to make sure you know what amount to expect from the various offers available.

For more information please visit:

Childcare Choices website (opens new window)

For providers looking to sign up please visit the provider information page (opens new window)

Family Fund provides grants to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, on a low income.

You can use grants on all kinds of things that will support the care of your child, including family breaks and days out.

Family Fund Trust (opens new window) 

From September 2014 the law changed to allow more two year olds to benefit from funded childcare than ever before. In Wiltshire, we have branded the funding as 'Better 2gether Funding'.

All 3 and 4 year olds qualify for 570 free hours a year at an approved childcare provider (opens new window). This can be taken as 15 hours a week during school term time or fewer hours per week over more weeks. Additional costs like meals, nappies and trips may be charged. Some 3 to 4 year olds are eligible for 30 hours a week, Check if you're eligible and find out how to apply on the GOV.UK: Get 30 hours free childcare: step by step (opens new window) web site guide.

Information about help with the cost of paying for approved childcare tax free childcare, 15 and 30 hours childcare, childcare vouchers, tax credits, learner support can be found on https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs (opens new window).

A short break is when children and young people with additional needs or disabilities participate in activities that they enjoy in their leisure time (outside school hours), for example, playing sport, spending time with friends, joining a club or spending a few days away from home.

Wiltshire's Short Breaks Scheme, designed in consultation with parents and carers, enables eligible children and young people, who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support to access activities and leisure opportunities.

Information on Wiltshire's leisure opportunities scheme for those aged 6 to 18 with an EHCP can be found by visiting the following page:

Short Breaks