Childcare

Finding childcare can feel overwhelming, but there is help available to understand your options. Childcare should be accessible, local councils and national schemes can help you find what works for your family.

National Support

National Childcare Applications

  • Tax-Free Childcare: Get up to £500 every 3 months for each of your children to help with costs. Apply for Tax-Free Childcare via GOV.UK
  • 30 Hours Free Childcare: For working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds to double their entitlement. Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare via GOV.UK
  • 15 Hours Free Childcare (Working Parents): For children aged 9 months to 2 years. Apply for 15 Hours via GOV.UK
  • Universal Credit Childcare Costs: Claim back up to 85% of your costs through your existing account. Sign in to your Universal Credit Account
  • Free Education for 2-Year-Olds (on Benefits): Access 15 hours if you receive certain benefits. Find your Local Council to Apply
  • Childcare Grant (Students): For full-time students in higher education. Apply for the Childcare Grant via Student Finance England
  • Care to Learn: For parents under 20 starting school or sixth form. Apply for Care to Learn via GOV.UK
  • Child Benefit: Monthly payments for anyone responsible for a child under 16. Make a new Child Benefit Claim via GOV.UK

Local Area Support

Merseyside

Each local authority in Merseyside maintains its own Family Information Service (FIS) directory for childcare and early years support: 

Liverpool

Use the Liverpool Family Information and SEND Directory to search for nurseries, childminders, and out-of-school clubs.

Knowsley

The Knowsley Childcare Information Service provides details on choosing local childcare and accessing funded places.

Sefton

Access the Sefton Directory for a searchable list of local nurseries and childminders.

Wirral

Tips and tools for family life in Wirral - Wirral Family Toolbox

Cheshire

Support in Cheshire is centered around Family Hubs, which offer a "front door" for family services: 

Cheshire East

The Cheshire East Family Hubs provide support, advice, and guidance for families with children aged 0-19 (or 25 with SEND).

Cheshire West and Chester

Visit the Live Well Cheshire West portal to find physical and virtual hub locations and childcare information. 

Greater Manchester

Childcare search tools are integrated into the city region's Early Education and Childcare initiatives: 

Manchester City

The Help & Support Manchester (HSM) directory allows you to filter registered childminders and nurseries by postcode.

Salford, Bolton, and Stockport

Dedicated directories reachable through the GOV.UK Find a Childminder tool by entering your specific postcode. 

Lancashire

The county provides a centralized directory and a dedicated help service for parents: