Paying for childcare - new online resource launched by Daycare Trust

CONTACT: Lucy Bosher, Information Manager, 020 7840 3350, extension 206, email; or the Press Officer, Sharon Charity, 020 7840 3350, ext 217, email

Daycare Trust has launched a new website, www.payingforchildcare.org.uk, a one-stop guide through the maze of finding help with childcare costs.

The website provides targeted information for a wide range of circumstances - aimed at working parents, those thinking of studying or training, and parents of disabled children. It provides easy-to-read introductions to each of the main types of benefits, grants and subsidies that are available to help ease the financial burden of paying for childcare.

"Childcare costs are soaring and the credit crunch is starting to bite, so it's more important than ever that parents get all the help they're entitled to," said Information Manager Lucy Bosher. "We hope that www.payingforchildcare.org.uk will take some of the mystery out of the complex mix of financial help with childcare costs that is available to parents."

A main feature of the new website is the Tax Credit Checker, a quick and easy click-through tool which can tell you if you're likely to be eligible for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. This can pay up to 80 per cent of the cost of eligible childcare, but very few parents apply for it. The Checker is intended for use by parents and those who advise parents on a regular basis, but have little knowledge of the help available through tax credits.

"Many people seem to think that tax credits are only for those on the lowest incomes," said Lucy. "They are means-tested, so you will only qualify for the maximum help if you're on a low income, but if you're eligible for Working Tax Credit at all, you could well be entitled to some help with your childcare costs and many parents are missing out."

The website, designed by Guardian Professional, has been produced with financial support from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It will complement Daycare Trust's existing suite of information services for parents and carers, including its Information Line (020 7840 3350, 10.00am-5.00pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) and website www.daycaretrust.org.uk.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.
Daycare Trust is calling on the Government to
1. Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
- expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
- subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.
2. Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.
3. Set new standards for the pay of childcare workers, either through national benchmarks or incentives such as the Graduate Leader Fund.
Daycare Trust runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, www.ecpc.org.uk.