Help with childcare costs for children with Special education needs and Disabilities

Up to 30 hours of funded childcare for children between the age of 9 months and 5 years

Childcare calculator (Opens in New Window)

Use the childcare calculator to work out which type of support is best for you.

15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds

There is up to 15 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks available to children the term after they turn 2 if they have:
  • an education, health and care (EHC) plan or,
  • is receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
You may also qualify if you are in receipt of certain income related benefits or are a working family. Call 020 8583 6421 to find out more and to apply.

Tax-Free Childcare

You can get Tax Free Childcare for each child aged 0-16 if disabled (0-11years if not). There are different rates for a child who is not disabled.
To be eligible your child should:
  • get Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • be certified as blind or severely sight-impaired
You can use the extra Tax-Free Childcare money you get to help pay for extra hours of childcare. It can help pay your childcare provider so they can get specialist equipment for your child. Talk to them about what equipment your child can get.

24 hours of free childcare for 0 to 8 year olds through the Short Breaks team

The Short Breaks Service will pay for an introductory 24 hours childminding free. This helps you and the childminder build a supportive relationship for your child.
Contact childminders to see if they can meet your child’s individual needs. Once you have found someone who meets your needs, call the Short Breaks team. They will organise payment of the first 24 hours with the childminder.
Points to remember:

  • Your family/child must be registered with Short Breaks to use this service
  • Your child must meet level of need pathway 2 or 3
  • Once the introductory offer is over, it is up to you to continue paying for the service. Speak with the Family Information Service for other support to pay for childcare.
For more information call the Short Breaks team on 020 8583 3636.

Search for childcare:

Find childcare:
  • with experience of working with children with SEND
  • have relevant training and or qualifications.