Childcare Grant UK: How Student Parents Get Extra £3,200+

TL;DR

Childcare Grant provides up to £199.62 per week for one child or **£342.24 per week for two or more children ** in non-repayable grant support to student parents.

This is free money covering 85% of your actual childcare costs — you don’t repay it. Yet many eligible students never claim it because they don’t know the full details or how to apply correctly.

If you’re a student parent using registered childcare, you could receive £6,700+ per year for one child or £11,600+ per year for multiple children.

Disclaimer: Amounts shown reflect confirmed 2025/26 policy from GOV.UK and Student Finance England. Always check the latest guidance at gov.uk/student-finance for individual eligibility.

What Is Childcare Grant?

Childcare Grant (CCG) is a non-repayable grant from Student Finance England designed to help student parents cover the costs of registered childcare while studying.

It’s separate from:

• Tuition Fee Loan (covers course fees)
• Maintenance Loan (living costs)
• Parents’ Learning Allowance (course-related costs like books and travel)

The Childcare Grant specifically covers registered childcare provider fees like:

• Nurseries and childminders
• Registered daycare centres
• After-school clubs
• Holiday care schemes
• Approved home-based childcare

Why Many Students Miss Out

According to Student Finance England data, a significant percentage of eligible student parents don’t claim Childcare Grant. Why?

1. They don’t realise it exists alongside other student finance
2. They assume all funding is loans that must be repaid
3. The application requires extra documentation about childcare providers
4. They think childcare must be arranged before applying (not true)
5. They assume it won’t cover enough to make childcare affordable

That’s why we built UniStart — to make sure you claim every penny you’re entitled to.

Learn more about how Student Finance works: How Student Finance Works in the UK (2025 Complete Guide)

How Much Can You Get?

Childcare Grant Amounts 2025/26

How the 85% Rule Works

You receive 85% of your actual childcare costs OR the maximum weekly amount, whichever is less.

Example 1 — One Child:

• Actual weekly childcare cost: £180
• 85% of £180 = £153
• Maximum allowed: £199.62
• You receive: £153/week (the lower amount)

Example 2 — One Child (High Cost):

• Actual weekly childcare cost: £250
• 85% of £250 = £212.50
• Maximum allowed: £199.62
• You receive: £199.62/week (the capped maximum)

Example 3 — Two Children:

• Actual weekly childcare cost: £380
• 85% of £380 = £323
• Maximum allowed: £342.24
• You receive: £323/week (the lower amount)

Term Time and Holidays

Childcare Grant covers:

• Term time (when you’re attending university)
• Holidays (when you’re still using childcare)

Most students receive payments for approximately 34-40 weeks per academic year, depending on course structure.

Important: The grant only reimburses you for childcare you’ve actually paid for and used. It’s not paid in advance.

Who Is Eligible?

You can claim Childcare Grant if you meet all of these criteria:

1. You’re a Full-Time Student

• Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree
• Foundation year (if part of a degree programme)
• PGCE or Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

Part-time students are not eligible for Childcare Grant.

2. You Have Dependent Children

• At least one child under 15 on the first day of the academic year
• OR under 17 if they have special educational needs (SEN)

3. You Use Registered Childcare

Your childcare provider must be:

• Registered with Ofsted (England)
• Registered with the Care Inspectorate (Scotland)
• Registered with Care Inspectorate Wales (Wales)
• Registered with an approved home childcare scheme

Informal childcare doesn’t qualify — grandparents, friends, or unregistered babysitters are not eligible.

4. You’re Eligible for Student Finance England

• UK national, settled status, or pre-settled status
• Ordinarily resident in England for 3+ years
• Not receiving equivalent funding from another source

5. You’re Not Getting Childcare Support Elsewhere

You cannot claim Childcare Grant if you or your partner receive:

• Childcare element of Working Tax Credit
• Childcare costs as part of Universal Credit
• Tax-Free Childcare from HMRC

You must choose one. Most students find Childcare Grant more generous, but check your specific situation.

Important: You CAN claim both Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance — they cover different costs.

What Does Childcare Grant Cover?

Childcare Grant covers registered childcare provider fees only.

Eligible Costs

• Nursery fees
• Registered childminder fees
• After-school club costs
• Holiday care schemes
• Breakfast clubs (if registered)
• Approved home-based childcare

What’s NOT Covered

Informal childcare — payments to family members, friends, or unregistered babysitters.

Deposits or upfront fees — the grant only reimburses costs once your course has started.

School fees — standard education costs aren’t covered.

Equipment or supplies — nappies, food, or toys provided separately from childcare fees.

Course-related costs — these are covered by Parents’ Learning Allowance (up to £2,024/year for 2025/26).

Explore more funding for student parents: Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss

How the Payment System Works

Childcare Grant uses a unique payment system designed to ensure funds go directly to childcare providers.

Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS)

When your application is approved, Student Finance England sets up a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account for you.

Step 1 — Provider Submits Invoice

Your registered childcare provider submits a weekly invoice to your CCGPS account showing:

• Services provided
• Dates of care
• Amount charged

Step 2 — You Approve Payment

You receive an email notification to review and approve the payment request.

Login to your CCGPS account to:

• Check the invoice details
• Confirm the amount is correct
• Approve payment to your provider

Step 3 — Provider Receives Payment

Once approved, Student Finance England pays your childcare provider directly from your CCGPS account balance.

Step 4 — You Pay the Remaining 15%

Since Childcare Grant covers 85% of costs, you’re responsible for paying the remaining 15% directly to your childcare provider.

Example:

• Weekly childcare cost: £200
• Childcare Grant pays: £170 (85%)
• You pay directly: £30 (15%)

Payment Timeline

Important: Payments cannot be approved until your course officially starts. You’ll need to cover upfront childcare costs yourself and be reimbursed once term begins.

Unused Funds

Any unused funds in your CCGPS account at the end of the academic year revert back to Student Finance England.

You cannot:

• Withdraw unused funds
• Transfer them to the next academic year automatically
• Use them for non-childcare expenses

How to Apply

Step 1 — Start Your Student Finance Application

Register at gov.uk/student-finance between February and May for September starters.

You’ll need:

• National Insurance number
• Bank account details
• Course and university details
• Children’s birth certificates

Step 2 — Look for “Extra Support” Section

In your Student Finance application, navigate to the “Extra Support” or “Additional Support” section.

This is where you’ll find:

• Childcare Grant
• Parents’ Learning Allowance
• Adult Dependants’ Grant
• Disabled Students’ Allowance

Tick the box for Childcare Grant.

Step 3 — Provide Childcare Provider Details

You’ll need to submit:

• Provider’s name and address
• Ofsted registration number (or equivalent)
• Provider contact details
• Estimated weekly childcare costs

Don’t worry if you haven’t arranged childcare yet — you can provide estimated costs and update details later.

Step 4 — Provide Evidence

Upload supporting documents:

• Child’s birth certificate (scanned copy)
• Childcare provider’s registration certificate
• Estimated cost breakdown from provider

If you’re sharing custody:

• Child Benefit statement showing you as the recipient
• Formal custody arrangement (if applicable)

Step 5 — Submit Application

Deadlines:

You can apply up to 9 months after course start, but late applications delay payments significantly.

Step 6 — Set Up CCGPS Account

Once approved, Student Finance England will email you instructions to set up your Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account.

You’ll need to:

• Create login credentials
• Add your childcare provider details
• Verify provider registration

Step 7 — Provider Submits Invoices

Once your course starts, your childcare provider can begin submitting weekly invoices to your CCGPS account.

You’ll receive email notifications to approve each payment.

Real Impact: How Childcare Grant Helps Student Parents

Data from UniStart Supported Students

Note: Data reflects UniStart-supported applications in 2024/25. Individual amounts vary based on childcare costs and number of children.

Case Example: Emma’s Story

Emma, single mum, one child aged 3

• Full-time Business Management degree
• Childcare cost: £185/week
• CCG amount: £157.25/week (85% of £185)
• Annual CCG total: £5,347 (34 weeks)

Emma’s funding package:

• Tuition Fee Loan: £9,250
• Maintenance Loan: £9,700
• Childcare Grant: £5,347
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: £2,024

Total non-repayable grants: £7,371/year

Emma used her Childcare Grant to:

• Cover nursery fees during term time
• Pay for holiday care during university breaks
• Focus on studies without financial childcare stress

“Without Childcare Grant, I couldn’t have gone to university. It’s the difference between working part-time while studying (impossible with a toddler) and actually focusing on my degree.” — Emma, Business Management student

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Myth #1: “Childcare Grant is a loan I have to repay”

➜ False. Childcare Grant is a non-repayable grant. It’s free money to support your childcare costs while studying.

Myth #2: “I can’t claim if my partner works”

➜ False. Partner employment doesn’t automatically disqualify you. However, if they receive childcare support through Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare, you must choose one scheme.

Myth #3: “I need to arrange childcare before applying”

➜ False. You can apply with estimated costs and update provider details later. Many students secure childcare after receiving their funding confirmation.

Myth #4: “Grandparents can be registered childminders”

➜ Partially true. Grandparents CAN qualify if they’re registered with Ofsted or an approved home childcare scheme. Unregistered family care doesn’t qualify.

Mistake #1: Applying for Tax-Free Childcare Instead

Many students apply for HMRC’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme without realising Childcare Grant is usually more generous.

Comparison:

Solution: Calculate which scheme gives you more support before applying.

Mistake #2: Not Keeping Childcare Provider Informed

Your provider needs to submit weekly invoices to your CCGPS account. Many providers aren’t familiar with the system.

Solution: Share Student Finance England guidance with your provider early to ensure they understand the CCGPS system.

Mistake #3: Missing Invoice Approval Deadlines

If you don’t approve invoices promptly, payments are delayed, and your provider may stop offering care.

Solution: Set up email notifications and check your CCGPS account regularly.

Mistake #4: Assuming Part-Time Students Qualify

Childcare Grant is only for full-time students. Part-time students must use alternative support like Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare.

Solution: Check your student status before applying. If studying part-time, explore other childcare support options.

Combining Childcare Grant with Other Support

Childcare Grant + Parents’ Learning Allowance

Both grants are separate. Most student parents claim both:

• Childcare Grant: Covers registered childcare fees
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: Covers course-related costs (books, travel, equipment)

Total potential support: £11,600 + £2,024 = £13,624/year (for two or more children)

Read more: Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss

Childcare Grant + Maintenance Loan

Childcare Grant is paid in addition to your Maintenance Loan, not instead of it.

Example funding package for student parent:

• Tuition Fee Loan: £9,250
• Maintenance Loan: £9,700
• Childcare Grant: £6,787 (one child)
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: £2,024

Total: £27,652 in support — with only the loans needing to be repaid.

Childcare Grant + Universal Credit

You generally cannot claim Childcare Grant if you (or your partner) are receiving help with childcare costs through Universal Credit — you usually need to choose one scheme.

Universal Credit can also be affected by parts of Student Finance (for example, Maintenance Loan support is treated differently from grants). If you’re unsure which option is best, check the latest official guidance and speak to your work coach or an adviser.

FAQ

Can I claim Childcare Grant for summer holidays?

Yes, if you’re using registered childcare during university summer holidays, you can continue claiming Childcare Grant. It’s not limited to term time.

What if my childcare costs change during the year?

You can request a reassessment if your childcare costs increase or decrease significantly. Contact Student Finance England to update your CCGPS account.

Can both parents claim Childcare Grant if we’re both students?

No. Only one parent can claim Childcare Grant per child. If both of you are students, decide who will claim based on whose funding package benefits most.

What if my childcare provider isn’t registered with Ofsted?

They won’t qualify for Childcare Grant payments. However, you can ask if they’re willing to register with Ofsted or an approved home childcare scheme.

Does Childcare Grant affect my student loan repayment?

No. Childcare Grant is a non-repayable grant, so it doesn’t add to your student loan balance. Only your Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan are repayable.

What if I have children with different childcare needs?

If you have two or more children using different providers, you can claim for both. Each provider submits separate invoices to your CCGPS account.

Can I use Childcare Grant for breakfast or after-school clubs?

Yes, if they’re registered with Ofsted and charge fees. Many students use Childcare Grant to cover wraparound care that fits university timetables.

What happens if I drop out or suspend my course?

Childcare Grant stops when you’re no longer enrolled as a full-time student. If you suspend your studies, contact Student Finance England to discuss your options.

Don’t Miss Out on £6,700+ Per Year

Childcare Grant is free money designed to make university accessible for parents. Yet many eligible students never claim it because they don’t know the details or find the application process confusing.

If you’re a student parent using registered childcare, you’re likely eligible for:

• Up to £199.62/week for 1 child (£6,787/year)
• Up to £342.24/week for 2+ children (£11,636/year)
• Plus Parents’ Learning Allowance (up to £1,915/year)

That’s potentially £13,500+ in non-repayable support — without counting your Maintenance Loan and Tuition Fee Loan.

Ready to Claim What You’re Entitled To?

UniStart helps student parents navigate the application process with:

• Step-by-step guidance for Childcare Grant and PLA
• Deadline reminders and document checklists
• Real-time eligibility checks
• Support from our team of university application experts

👉 Download UniStart and get started today 👉 Or request a callback from our team

Related Articles

• Parents’ Learning Allowance: Hidden Grant Most Students Miss
• How Student Finance Works in the UK (2025 Complete Guide)
• Maintenance Loan 2025 Explained: How Much Can You Get?
• Mature Students Guide to UK University: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Written by Radu Danila, UniStart Founder.

“I built UniStart because too many student parents miss out on critical funding like Childcare Grant — up to £11,600 per year in free support that could mean the difference between accessing university or not. Every eligible parent deserves to know about this grant and how to claim it correctly.”