Childcare Costs when child is 4

Legacy_user

I am a single working mum and I currently claim working and child tax credit. My son's father also pays me maintenance.

At the moment my son is attending pre-school at a private school, which is partly funded by help with childcare costs via tax credits and the early years grant. I know my son can start school in September but it is not compulsory until he is 5, so if I choose to leave him at the private pre-school he is at now (because of location / work commitments), can I still claim help towards the cost? The local council has told me that I will still qualify for the early years grant until the term after my son turns five, so can anyone tell me whether the same applies to help with childcare costs via tax credits?

Any help would be much appreciated!

nannytone_2

i cant comment on the financial aspects but suggest you really think about what youre wanting to do.
legally your perfectly entitled to wait until your son is 5 before sending him to school but dont you think it will put him at a disadvantage?

all the other kiddies will have had a years start, already know the school routine and have already made friends.

Indie_Kid

You can get child care via tax credits until your child is 12. (or 16 for a disabled child)

miss_spooky

Hi,

I'm not 100% sure as I haven't had to put my kids in childcare for a long time, but I think you can claim childcare costs providing that are with an OFSTED registered childcare provider regardless of the age.

So even with the early years funding, your childcare element of tax credits should cover the difference - ie EYF is for 15hrs (I think) so if your son did 30, then you would have to fund the extra 15hrs - hence CCE of tax credits.

TaxCreditHelp

Tax Credits will support ChildCare Costs up to a maximum of 80% of the total cost, minus early years grants and costs paid by salary sacrifice or voucher... regardless of age.