Childcare

Childcare providers available on the Islands:

Childcare Funding

You can check whether you could be eligible for a range of government childcare offers via Childcare Choices at: childcarechoices.gov.uk.

15 and 30 Hours Childcare

From April 2024 the national funded childcare support for working families is expanding.  For information on the current offer and upcoming changes please see https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/upcoming-changes-to-childcare-support/

If you intend to apply for childcare funding we strongly urge parents to apply as soon as possible and speak to childcare providers regarding a possible place at their setting.  If you do not have your eligibility code by the start of the term you wish your child to take up their place you will not be able to claim the funding until the following term. 

The Parental Declaration Form should be completed in conjunction with your childcare provider, and the completed form returned to your childcare provider.

Funded Childcare for Two Year Olds

Some families receiving some additional forms of government support may be eligible for 15 hours of funded early learning and childcare, please see Childcare Choices for further information.

Isles of Scilly Local Offer - Up to 10 hours of funded early learning and childcare for two year olds is available for parents on Scilly at an Ofsted registered childcare provider.  For full details on this offer please click here.  This local offer is being phased out and will end by September 2024.

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare is available to working parents (including those self-employed) which can be used at the same time as 15 and 30 hours childcare support.  Working parents of children aged under 12, or 17 if disabled, can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for registered childcare.  The Government will top-up the money that parents pay into the account.  For every £8 parents pay in, the Government will add an extra £2.  Parents can receive £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 if disabled.  It is not available to parents in receipt of tax credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.

Off Island Access

Funding for families from the off-islands to access services is available, for more information please contact the Children's Services Team.

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Children and Family Services at FamilyScilly@scilly.gov.uk or Telephone 0300 1234 105 Option 5.